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HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP 
AND SWINE. 



Origin, History, Improvement, Description, Charac- 
teristics, Merits, Objections, Adaptability, Etc., 
OF Each of the Different Breeds, 



Hints on Selection, Care and Management, Including 

Methods of Practical Breeders in tlje United 

States and Canada. 



5Uustrate6. 



GEO. W. CURTIS, M. S. A., 

Director Texas Experimem Station, and Professor of Agriculture 
IN THE Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. 



Second Edition — Revised and Enlarged. 

Jl'^' IS ^?"^3 , 

1893 36f ^ ^ 

THE RURAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
NEW YORK. 



Copyright, 1893, by 
GEO. W. CURTIS. 

(All Rights Reserved.) 



Bl.eCTROTYPED AND PRINTED *T- 
UOUNT PLEASANT PRINTER",. 

HAHRI&BJRG, PA. 



PREFACE. 



IN THE PREPARATION of the second edition 1 have aimed to use to 
best advantage the valuable suggestions of my co-workers in other 

states, who so warmly endorsed the first edition by promptly adopting 
it for text use, and the no less valuable hints from farmers and stockmen 
who so kindly judged my work from their own standpoint of practical 
value on the farm. 

From the few who harshly criticised I have also learned, and the critics 
may be, therefore, thanked for giving aid, although not so intended. 

To the personal friends who have given their encouragement and aid in 

the prosecution of my work, 1 can only offer my sincere appreciation, and 

express the hope that what 1 have accomplished may, in measure, meet their 

honest approbation. 

College-Station, Texas, 

January i, i893. GEO. W. CURTIS. 



PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. 



From early boyhood I have been a lover of good stock, familiar 
with the everyday, practical work in handling and feeding; and when, 
as a student in one of our agricultural colleges, my attention was first 
drawn to the need for a suitable text-book on domestic animals, I began 
a more extended study, with the purpose in view which I have since 
striven to accomplish. 

In presenting this volume to the public, I desire especially to ac- 
knowledge the kindly encouragement received from my co-workers in 
the line of agricultural instruction. Many, like myself, have been giving 
lectures to their students on the subjects treated in these pages, and, 
from very lack of time, the lectures have been incomplete and unsatis- 
factory. The urgent requests which have reached me, especially during 
the past year, have greatly encouraged me to push forward the work. 
From another class — the general stockman and farmer— -has come a still 
more urgent demand for information of this character. I have received 
many inquiries which these pages will answer, and, while the successful 
stockman is one who understands his work, I trust all will find much of 
interest and something of profit in their perusal. 

The statements of actual methods pursued by successful breeders 
in different parts of the country will be found of great value. There 
are many young farmers, and perhaps some older ones, who are in need 
of information of a practical kind regarding the " points" in handling 
stock, and for all such, the letters from practical men given in the Chap- 
ters on Care and Management are worthy most careful study. 

In all assertions as to average weights for the different breeds, it 
must be remembered that animals are frequentl}' found which exceed 
the weights given, and others, just as frequently, which fall below them. 
It is very difficult to make statements of this kind which will not be 
subject, perhaps justly, to criticism from partisans of the several breeds; 
but it has been my aim to give what I believe to be the truth, regardless 
of whose shoulders it may strike most heavily. 

The statements regarding ease of acclimation in the fever belt are 
made after a very careful study of the subject for the last five years, 
and an extensive correspondence with breeders and importers of north- 
ern bred stock — especially cattle — in the states bordering the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

It is believed that full credit has been given for ever}' quotation; but 



PREFACE. V 

I desire to make especial menrionof the Agricultural Press. From many 
papers I have quoted — from all, derived something of value which has 
aided me in my work. The following list, while it does not include all, 
represents most of the periodicals devoted wholly or in part to live 
stock to which I am in any way indebted : Turf, Field and Farm, New York i 
Breeder's Gazette, Chicago; National Live-Stock Journal, Chicago; Ameri- 
can Agriculturist, New York ; Western Agriculturist, Quinc}', Ills. ; Cana- 
dian Live-Stock Journal, Hamilton, Ont. , Canada; American Sheep Breeder, 
Chicago; Herds and Flocks, Chicago; Hoard's Dairyman, Fort Atkinson, 
Wis.; Spirit of the Times, New York; Country Gentleman, Albanj', N. Y. ; 
Rural New- Yorker, New York ; Southern Cultivator, Atlanta, Ga. ; Amer- 
ican Farmer, Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Farm and Home, Springfield, Mass. ; 
Breeder's Journal, Beecher, 111. ; Texas Farm and Ranch, Dallas ; Texas 
Live-Stock Journal, Fort Worth; and the Texas Stockman and Farmer, of 
San Antonio. 

To many breeders I am indebted for information respecting various 
matters of interest, and to each I would express my appreciation of the 
aid thus kindly given. Among others to whom I am indebted in a per- 
sonal way, I can not fail to mention my father, Lyman J. Curtis ; to the 
early training on the farm, under his — at times severely strict — direc- 
tion, I owe much of whatever I have since been able to accomplish ; the 
later instruction of my valued friend, Professor S. A. Knapp, is remem- 
bered with pleasure and profit. Of more immediate importance has 
been- the faithful assistance of my wife ; without her aid, relieving me 
from all details of correspondence and clerical work, it would have been 
impossible to publish this volume for at least another year. To my co- 
worker. Professor F. A. Gulley, I am indebted for valuable suggestions ; 
to Professor Louis L. Mclnnis, Chairman of our Faculty, for various 
courtesies; and to my assistant, Mr. J. F. Duggar, and Foreman of Farm, 
Mr. J. H. Alsworth, I return thanks for relief from routine work which 
would otherwise have required my personal attention. 



THE AUTHOR. 



State Agrl. and Mechl. College, 
College Station, Tex., 
August, 1888. 



OONTBNTS, 



PART FIRST. 



THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF HORSES. 



CHAPTER I. PAGE 
Percherons 10 

CHAPTER n, 
French Draft 15 

CHAPTER HI. 
Belgians 19 

CHAPTER IV. 
Clydesdales 22 

CHAPTER V. 
English Shires 27 

CHAPTER VI. 
Suffolk Punch 31 

CHAPTER VII. 
Cleveland Bays 34 

CHAPTER VIII. 
French Coach 37 

CHAPTER IX. 
Oldenburg Coach 40 

CHAPTER X. 
German Coach 42 

CHAPTER XXI 
Hints on Selection, Care and Management . . 



CHAPTER XI. PAGE 
Hackneys 44 

CHAPTER XII. 
Thoroughbreds 47 

CHAPTER XIII. 
American Saddlers 58 

CHAPTER XIV. 
American Trotters 61 

CHAPTER XV. 
O.^loff Trotters 90 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Shetland Ponies 90 

CHAPTER XVII. 
Welsh Ponies 93 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
ExMOOR Ponies 93 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Mexican Ponies 94 

CHAPTER XX. 
Indian Ponies 96 



99 



PART SECOND, 



THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF CATTLE. 



CHAPTER XXII. PAGE 
Holstein-Friesians 116 

CHAPTER XXIH. 
Jerseys 125 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Guernseys 131 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Ayrshires 135 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Dutch Belted 140 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
American Holderness 144 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
Brown Swiss 148 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
Brittanies 152 



CHAPTER XXX. PAGE 
Kerries 154 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
Shorthorns T57 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Red Polled 



... 163 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
Devons 167 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 
Longhorns 173 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

NORMANDIES 176 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 
North Wales Black i8o 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 
Pembrokes 184 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
THerefords 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 
Galloways igi 

CHAPTER XL. 
Aberdeen-Angus 



196 

CHAPTER XLI. 
Polled Durhams 201 



PAGE CHAPTER XLIII. p.\ge 

1S5 , SiM.MENTHAL 207 

CHAPTER XLIV. 
Brahmins (Zebu) 210 

CHAPTER XLV. 
West Highlands 215 



Sussex 



CHAPTER XLII. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 
Texans 220 



" • . . . 204 

CHAPTER XLVII. 
Hints on Selection, Care and Management 223 



PART THIRD, 



THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SHEEP. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. page 

Merinos 236 

Aizi'oods 241 

Paulars 243 

Dickinsons . . 246 

Black Tofs 249 

Delaines 250 

CHAPTER XLIX. 
Horned Dorsets 255 

CHAPTER L. 
Cheviots 257 

CHAPTER LI. 
Southdowns 260 



CHAPTER LII. page 
Shropshires 264 

CHAPTER LIII. 
Hampshires 267 

CHAPTER LIV. 
Oxfordshires 271 

CHAPTER LV. 

COTSWOLDS 274 

CHAPTER LVI. 
Leicesters 278 

CHAPTER LVH. 
Lincolns 282 

CHAPTER LVIII. 
Hints on Selection, Care and Management 286 



PART FOURTH. 

THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SWINE. 



CHAPTER LIX. 



page 

• 294 



Berkshires 

CHAPTER LX. 
Poland-Chinas 298 

CHAPTER LXI. 
Duroc-Jerseys 301 

CHAPTER LXII. 
'Chester-Whites 305 

CHAPTER LXIII. 
'Todd's Improved Chester-Whites . . 307 

CHAPTER LXIV. 
Gothlands 309 

CHAPTER LXV. 

Curtis Victorias 310 

CHAPTER LXXIII. 
Hints on Selection, Care and Management 325 



CHAPTER LXVI. page 
Davis Victorias 312 

CHAPTER LXVn. 
Cheshires 314 

CHAPTER LXVIII. 
Small Yorkshires 317 

CHAPTER LXIX. 
Essex 320 

CHAPTER LXX. 

Neapolitans 322 



CHAPTER LXXI. 
English, or Black Suffolks . 

CHAPTER LXXII. 
American, or White Suffolks 



■ 323 

• 324 




I. Muzzle; 2. Race, Nose-bone, or Face; 3, Forehead; 4, Poll; 5, Crest; 6, Withers or 
Shoulder-points ; 7, Back ; 8, Loins ; 9, Hook, Hip or Haunch-bone; 10, Croup-bone, or Upper- 
rump ; II, Upper-thigh, or Quarter; 12, Lower-thigh, or Leg; 13. Hock; 14, Hind Cannon, or 
Shank-bone; 15, Fetlock-joint, sometimes covered with long hair called the "Feather"; 16, 
Pastern; 17, Hoof; 18, Stifle; ig. Flank; 20, Side, or Ribs; 21, Girth; 22, Elbow; 23, 
Shoulder: 24, Fore-arm; 25, Knee; 26, Front Cannon; 27, Coronet; 28, Breast; 29, Neck; 30^ 
Throat, or Throttle; 31, Mane; 32. Foretop ; 33, Nostril; 34, Bulbs of the Heel; 35, Tail. 



PJiRT I^IRST. 



HORSES. 

DRAFT BREEDS. 

PAGE 

Percherons Chapter I lo 

French Draft " II 15 

Belgians " III ig 

Clydesdales " IV 22 

English Shires " V 27 

Suffolk Punch " VI 31 

HEAVY CARRIAGE BREEDS. 

Cleveland Bays Chapter VII. 34 

French Coach " VIII 37 

Oldenburg Coach ". " IX 40 

German Coach " X 42 

Hackneys " XI 44 

RUNNING AND SADDLE BREEDS. 

Thoroughbreds Chapter XII 47 

American Saddlers " XIII 58 

TROTTING BREEDS. 

American Trotters Chapter XIV 61 

Orloff Trotters . " XV go 

SMALL, OR PONY BREEDS. 

Shetland Ponies Chapter XVI , go 

Welsh Ponies " XVII g3 

ExMOOR Ponies " XVIII g3 

Mexican Ponies " XIX g4 

Indian Ponies " XX g6 

HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 
Chapter XXI g9 



Chapter I. 



PERCHERONS. 

The Percheron is an old French breed, long noted for rapid and 
'effective draft work, and always supposed to owe much of its excellence 
to Eastern blood. When steps were taken to compile the Percheron 
Stud Book of France, careful inquiry revealed a much greater predomi- 
nance of Arabian blood than had been previously claimed. 

It was then found that — as Mr. Sanders, in his treatise on Horse 

Breeding puts it — 

"What the Darley Arabian was to the English Thoroughbred, and the gray Arabian 
Smetanxa to the Orloff, the gray Arabian Gallipoli has been to the Percheron horse o£ 
France " 

Du Hays (American Translation of the Percheron Horse), after 

expressing his belief in its descent from Arabian blood, says: 

' ' We cannot, however, find in history the written positive proof that the Percheron 
is an Arab, but we believe it easy, by fair historical deduction, to prove what he is in 
fact." 

The same author, speaking of the improvement of the breed, states 

that: 

' ' The Percherons must have been especially modified by contact with the breed of 
Brittany, where their striking characteristics are now met with in a large number of 
individuals." 

In Volume I. of the American Percheron Stud Book we find this 

statement: 

■'Aside from the history and traditions of the country, the Percheron horse himself 
furnishes unmistakable evidence in his form, disposition, color and general characteristics 
that he is closely allied to the Arab." 

Again, from the same source, we quote : 

"As the immense draft horses of the North (Flemish) were closely allied to, if not 
identical with, the large breed that prevailed in Normandy and La Perche, prior to the 
modification produced by the introduction of the blood of the Arabian and the Barb, 
heretofore alluded to, it was very natural that, when the Percheron breeders found it 
desirable to increase the size of their horses, their eyes should be turned towards this 
kindred race, from which other countries had already drawn so heavily for the same 
purpose. Accordingly we find that mares in large numbers were taken from these 
northern departments, and from Belgium, under the various names of Belgians, Bou- 
lonnais. Mares of Picardy, etc., and were bred to the stallions of La Perche. Stallions 
from the same country were also extensively introduced, under various names and of 
slightly differing types. But, notwithstanding the multiplicity of names arising from the 
different departments in which they had been bred, and the slight variation in form that 
existed, they were, after all, nothing more nor less than the Flanders Draft Horse — the 
same blood that had already exercised so potent an influence upon the horse stock of 
Great Britain." 

10 



PERCHERONS. 



II 




PERCHERON STALLION, JOSEPH, 6471 

Property of J. W. Akin, Scipio. N Y 



12 PERCHEROXS. 

To sum up, then, briefly, tliere is ample proof of the use of the 
celebrated Arabian stallions (both gray) Godolphin and Gallipoli in the 
formation of the Percheron breed ; and there is little doubt that — like 
the heav}' British breeds — it owes its superior size to crosses with the 
large horse of Flanders. 

Importations to the United States of what are now claimed to have 
been Percherons were made as early as 1851, but they were called 
simply French Horses. In 1866 Mr. W. S. Ficklin, of Charlottesville, 
Va., imported several Percheron horses under their proper name; and 
in 1868 William T. Walters, of Baltimore, returning from France, after 
a sojourn of several years, brought with him a considerable number of 
these horses ; he also caused to be translated and published that inter- 
esting little work, the "Percheron Horse," by Du Hays, from which we 
have quoted. 

And now a word in regard to the Perchero-Norman controversy. 
In 1854 one of the stallions imported in 1851, under the name of 
French Horses, was sold to Messrs. Dillon & Co., of Normal. 111. This 
horse was exhibited, with many colts of his get, at countj^ and state 
fairs, under the name "Norman," and soon obtained a high degree of 
favor among horsemen of Illinois and neighboring states. In this way 
began the confusion of names which has continued more or less una- 
bated until within the past few years, and is, even now, a matter of con- 
siderable uncertainty and vexation. When the first steps were taken to 
form an American Stud Book, in 1876, it was proposed to adopt the 
name "Norman." For reasons which he considered satisfactory, Mr. 
Sanders, secretary of the association, changed the name to "Percheron 
Norman Stud Book," the association afterward ratifying the change. 
Many breeders of Frehchyiorses, however, were in favor of the term 
Norman, and accordingly withdrew from the offending society and 
began the publication of th-fe National Register of Norman Horses, all 
draft horses imported from,' France being eligible for record. There 
was, if such were possible, greater confusion than before, the names 
Norman, Norman- Percheron, Percheron-Norman, Percheron and French 
Draft obtaining equal prominence, and, indeed, were used interchange- 
ably as s3'nonymous terms for the same breed. 

In 1883, the Societe Hippiquc Pcrchonne was organized in France, and 
the Percheron-Norman Society immediatelj', and wisely, adopted the 
name by which the breed is recognized in its native country'. The 
name was thus changed to the Percheron Society, and their record the 
Percheron Stud Book of America. Thus the matter of nomenclature 
rests for the present ; each breed has its partisans ; both are valuable. 
While we do not propose to decide between them, yet we cannot forbear 
noticing this fact : the Norman Register admits all draft horses im- 
ported from France. The Percheron Society requires that all animals. 



PERCHERONS. 



^3 




PERCHERON STALLION. 

Property of H. A. Briggs, Elkhorn. Wis. 



jA PERCHERONS. 

imported after January ist, 1884, must be recorded in the Percheron 
Stud Book of France. The value of this restriction, in preserving the 
purity of the Percheron breed, is at once apparent, and cannot fail to 
attract favorable notice from all lovers of thoroughbred stock. 

Secretary S. D. Thompson, Chicago, 111., writes under date of 

December 20, 1892 : 

"The Percheron Association is in a flourishing condition, the number of entries 
up to date being greater than those of all the other draft horse associations combined. 
The fifth volume of the Percheron Stud Book is now in press, and will be issued at an 
early date." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color varies, gray — mostly dappled — predominating, while there 
are many pure blacks and bays, and all shades of gray, from the darkest 
iron to almost pure white. The body is low, square and full in all 
points, with magnificent head, and a neck which, for beauty, would not 
disgrace the proudest of Barbs. Legs are short in proportion, and 
while very massive, are yet fine and close knit. Percheron breeders 
claim almost perfect immunity from. bone and leg diseases, such as ring- 
bone, splint, wind-galls, etc. Our own experience with the breed, par- 
ticularly with the half-blood colts from native mares, has not justified an 
admission of this claim, and we feel compelled to state that some 
breeders, and many who have used the Percheron grades for heavy farm 
or other work, have expressed a belief that the Percherons are even 
more subject to these troubles than some of the other breeds. 

The Percheron is a draft breed, mature stallions weighing from 
i,5oo to 2,100 or 2,200 pounds, and their get from ordinary mares weigh- 
ing from 1,200 to 1,700 or 1,800 pounds, when grown. The}' are quick, 
active and intelligent. Some have thought them vicious,, and we have 
known a number of ill-tempered representatives of the breed : but it is 
more than likely that the troublesome temper was caused bj' unskillful 
or "vicious" grooms. Quite a number have been brought to Te.\as 
from Northern states, and some imported direct from France. While 
they stand the climate as well as an}- of the large breeds, yet we cannot 
say — as do some of their partisan breeders — that they acclimate with 
perfect safety. 



Chapter II. 
FRENCH DRAFT (NORMAN). 

From the chapter on Percherons will be gathered somewhat of the. 
author's ideas as to the name and present status of the Norman or^ 
French Draft. As there stated, the term French Draft mcludes not 
only the Percheron, but also the other heavy families or breeds of 
French horses. We can see much good sense and considerable neces- 
sity in perpetuating the registry of French Draft horses;, many have 
been and are still being imported to the United States which are not 
eli-ible to record in the Percheron Stud Book by reason only of nativity 
in another province than Perche ; and many of these horses stand as 
individuals, and produce a progeny, second to none of the modern draft 
breeds The National Register of Norman Horses admits all draft 
horses of thorough French blood, no matter to what breed or family^ 
they may belong. We can see no just cause for the apparently m- 
terminable wrangle between those who set themselves upas, champions, 
of, and authority on, respectively, the French Draft and percheron 
breeds The former includes the latter, and the latter is now undoubt- 
edly more closely bred and limited as to registry than the former. There 
is no foundation that we can see for claiming that any breed should 
have exclusive credit for improvement in American draft horses, and 
there is no doubt that very many of the French Draft horses now m the 
United States have no superior among even the most select Percherons. 
The precise origin of the French Draft horse would be hard to trace. 
So many strains or families, all bred out from a common center, and im- 
proved in whatever direction best suited the demands of any peculiar 
locality, would naturally tend to break somewhat the hne of descent. 
According to Youatt, who wrote in 1831, the. Province of Normandy 
was the one most noted at that time for its horses, the French govern- 
ment buying annually from the Norman stock for use m t.h.e other prov- 
inces. ... , r r- 

Prof Low, in his great work on the Domestic Animals of Oreat 
Britain, pubhshed in 1842, noted the same facts, and attributed it to the 
better grass and food conditions found in this province. All the heavy- 
horses of the continent, and through these, of the British Islands, may- 
be traced to the low, rich regions of middle and southwest Europe. 
The old Black Horse of Flanders doubtless owed his great size to these, 
natural conditions of vegetation, and may very properly be considered 
a sort of mile-post— a stepping stone -bet wee.n. the horses left m that, 

15 



FRENCH URAFT (NORMAN). 



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country by the warlike nations of northeast Europe in the frequent 
invasions west and southward, and the modern draft horses of France. 

The first importation of Norman horses to the United States was 
made about 1839, but not until 1850-60 were many imported to the 
Western states. Since that time, however, they have become widely 
and favorably known. In the South they are better known than the 
Percherons, and do as well in all respects. 

The National Norman Horse Association, organized in 1876, was, 
in 1884, changed to and incorporated as the National French Draft 
Horse Association. C. E. Stubbs, of Fairfield, la., is the present sec- 
retary. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS . 

As bred and known in the United States, there is so little difference 
between the French Draft and the Percheron as to preclude any 
necessity for statement, other than has been already given in the pre- 
ceding chapter (which see). The onl}' point to which attention may 
be called is that there appears to be a wider diversity in color and a 
greater variation from type among French Draft than among Percheron 
horses. In this connection, compare also the illustrations of French 
Draft and Percheron horses, all of which have been carefully selected 
as representative animals of the breeds in question. 



Chapter III. 



BELGIAN DRAFT. 

A comparatively new breed to America, but one which is earning 
marked distinction on merit alone. The Belgian Draft is a direct de- 
scendant of the original Black Horse of Flanders, and has been devel- 
oped in unison with his neighbor breed, the Boulonnais ; indeed, the 
latter bids fair to become a member, part and parcel, of the former. 
There has been more or less activity among Belgian importers to the 
United States since about 1870. Dr. A. G. Van Hoorebeke, of Mon- 
mouth, 111. , was probably the first to import, and his early importations 
in 1866 and next succeeding years were called Boulonnais. Of late 
years, however, Belgium has insisted, and rightly, on giving her name 
to her peculiar horse stock, and the Doctor's later importations, as well 
as those of Messers. Massion & Son, of Minonk, 111., and other reliable 
importers, have been under the name by which they are now recognized. 

The American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian 
Draft Horses was organized in 1877, with J. D. Conner, Jr., of Wabash, 
Ind., secretary. All draft horses imported from Belgium prior to Jan- 
uary ist, 1888, on satisfactory proof of same, are eligible to registry. 
Any horse imported from Belgium after January ist, 1888, is not eli- 
gible to registrj' unless previously registered in the Government Reg- 
ister of Belgium, known as the Society of Belgian Stock Farmers. 
Animals bred in the United States from registered sires and dams are 
eligible to registry under the rather peculiar caption: "Native Full- 
Bloods." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color generally bay or brown-black, but sorrel, roan and other 
colors are occasionally found. In size the}' are about equal to the Per- 
cheron, perhaps somewhat larger, say an average of from 1,650 to 
2,200 lbs. for mature stallions. The head is small and close fleshed; 
the neck, short and very powerful ; chest, wide and deep ; back short 
and broad, full over kidneys ; hips long ; legs short, with wide, flat 
bone, heavy muscle, and feet of proverbial soundness. As compared 
with the Percheron, they are more compact — "blocky" — and more nearly 
round in the body, but withal, resemble them so closelj' in many points 
as to warrant a second look, even from an expert, before passing judg- 
ment as to breed of the animal in question. 

19 



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BELGIAN DRAFT. 




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Chapter IV. 



CLYDESDALES. 

Like the Percheron, the French Draft, and in fact all of the other 
Draft Breeds, the Clydesdale owes its original merit to the Black Horse 
of Flanders — a lineal descendant of the great Black Horse of Northern 
Europe, which, according to Professor Low, inhabited "in the wild state 
the vast regions of marsh and forest which stretched all through Europe 
to the Euxine [Black] sea." The first mention we have of large horses 
in Scotland is found in a particular edict of "Safe Conduct" from King 
Edward I., issued in 1352, and referring to "ten large horses," which 
were to be taken to Teviotdale. Although it is not definitely stated 
whence these horses came, 3'et from the fact that the edict was obtained 
b}' the Earl of Douglas, it may be reasonablj' inferred that the horses 
were taken from Douglas Castle, in the upper portion of Lanarkshire, 
otherwise termed Clydesdale; and from the additional fact that the 
Earl of Douglas was an ancestor of that famous breeder of Clydesdales, 
the Duke of Hamilton, we may reasonably suppose that these "ten 
large horses" were an important factor in laying the foundation of the 
original Lanarkshire breed. 

And now, in relation to the use of the Black Horse of Flanders, we 
have the following from the retrospective Volume of the Clydesdale Stud 
Book: 

"Some time between 1715 and 1720, John Paterson, of Lochlyoch, on the estate and 
in the Parish of Carmichael, grandson of one John Paterson, who died at Lochlyoch in 
1682, went to England, and brought from thence a Flemish stallion, which is said to have 
so greatly improved the breed in the Upper Ward as to have made them noted all over 
Scotland." 

From the same authority we quote : 
"The Lochlyoch mares were generally browns and blacks, with white faces and a 
little white on their legs ; they had gray hairs in their tails, occasionally gray hairs over 
their bodies, ard invariably a white spot on their belly, this later being recognized as a 
mark of distinct purity of blood." 

There can be little doubt of the presence of Flemish blood in the 
present Clydesdale race. But we are strongly inclined to give credit, not 
so much to the heavy, clumsy Black Horse, as to the infusion of some 
lighter but stronger blood, which has given to the breed its well known 
courage and action, in marked contrast to the sluggish movements of 
the old Cart or Lincoln horse of England. The colors of the Lochlyoch 
mares — the last of which died out some thirty-five years ago — consid- 
ered in connection with the predominant ba_v color of modern Clydesdales, 



CLYDESDALES. 



23 




24 



CLYDESDALES. 



would point toward the old Cleveland horse as a probable factor in 
improvement, and this view is strengthened by many characteristics 
common to both breeds. 

The name of the breed, Clydesdale, would indicate its restriction 
to that particular locality, but these horses were very generally bred in 
other portions of Scotland, and obtained their name solely from the 
fact that in Clydesdale they were earlier brought to a high degree of 
merit and pushed into more prominent notice. 

Importation to America, both Canada and the United States, has 
been active and long continued. Through the kindness of Mr. C. F. 
Mills, Springfield, 111., the present secretary of the association, we are 
enabled to give the following list comprising all the early importations 
of Clydes: 

"In 1842, Gray Clyde 78 was imported by Archibald Ward, of Markham, Ontario. 

" 1S45, Sovereign 181 was imported by R. Johnson, Scarboro, Ontario. 

"1847. Marquis of Clyde loi was imported by Thomas Summerville, Whitby, 
Ontario. 

'■ 1850, Cumberland 106 was imported by David Roundtree, Jr., Weston, Ontario. 

" 1855, Bay Wallace 5 was imported by William Cochrane, Claremont, Ontario. 

"1855, Clydesdale Jock 33 was imported by John R. Torrence, of Markham, 
Ontario, and Jock of the Side 760 by Simon Connor. Markham, Ontario. 

" 1855, Merry Farmer 20 was imported by Mrs. A. Ward, of Markham, Ontario, 
and Byron 197 b)' James Dalziel, of Chesterfield, Ontario. 

"1857, Rob Roy 90, by Thomas Irving, Montreal, Quebec; and Black Douglas 27 
by William Miller, Pickering, Ontario. Prior to i860 a number of very choice Clydes- 
dale stallions were imported into Ohio by Fullington & Co., none of which have been 
recorded." 

Since i860 their introduction has been very rapid, and the number 
bred in America has more than kept pace with imported stock. 

The Clydesdale Society of America was organized in 1877, and the 
first volume of the American Ch'desdale Stud Book was issued in 1882; 
imported animals, to be eligible, must be recorded in the Clydesdale Stud 
Book of Great Britain and Ireland ; and American-bred stallions or 
mares must trace to recorded sires or dams, or have four or five recorded 
top crosses. 

DESCRIPTION .A.N'D CH.\RACTERISTICS OF MODERN CLYDESDALE : 

Color, either bay, brown or black, with usuall}' a white strip in the 
face — "blaze" — and more or less white on the feet and lower parts of the 
legs ; occasionally there is found a dun, chestnut, or even sorrel. The 
color which maj- be called peculiar to the breed is a light bay, 
fading to still lighter bay at the flanks, between the thighs, and forward 
on the bell}' line. In size they are classed with the large breeds, stallions 
ranging from 1,700 to 2, 100 pounds, and mares from 1,200 to 1.600 pounds. 
In appearance the Cl)'desdale horse is a large, tall, rangy animal, with a 
long head, medium neck, strong legs, heavil}' fringed with hair below 



CLYDESDALES. 



25 




26 CLYDESDALES. 

the knee, and long slanting shoulders — the latter a point well worth 
noticing as inclining toward greater activity than is usual with the large 
breeds. 

As compared with the Percheron or the French Draft, the Clydes- 
dale horse is longer legged, longer bodied, and of more quiet temper- 
ament. Our observation and experience with the half blood colts from 
native mares fully bear out the assertion that they are, almost with- 
out exception, kind, quiet, intelligent and easily broken. One very 
prominent characteristic is their naturally fast walk. The American 
farmer is not slow to appreciate the superior value of a team that will 
plow three acres of ground in a day, as against one that with the same 
plow, will turn but two acres ; and this fact has done much to advance 
the interests of the Clydesdale in America. The tendency of late to 
widen the breach between Clydesdales and English Shires has induced 
breeders of the former to look more to appearance and action, and 
gradually lower the average in weight — thus leaving to breeders of the 
latter a market demand for great weight and appearance, with action 
somewhat in the background. 

A point to which many object is the fringe of long hair at the fet- 
lock, already referred to; the objection, however well founded, has caused 
certain breeders to attempt a reduction of the characteristic — with what 
success remains to be seen. In the South the Clydes are perhaps not 
so well known as the French Draft; but the few shipments made are 
said to have done remarkabl}' well. It is claimed, indeed, that no other 
horse of the heavy breeds can so well endure the Southern climate. 

The engravings give an accurate idea of representative Clydesdales, 
and illustrate, at the same time, the superior character of Galbraith 
Brothers' stud. 



Chapter V. 



ENGLISH SHIRES. 

From the preceding chapter on Clydesdales, we have seen that 
all of the modern draft breeds are descended from the great Black 
Horse of northern Europe, with such modifications as different soils, 
vegetation, climate and care would induce. Referring to this breed. 
Prof. Low, of Edinburgh (already quoted), writing in 1842, after speak- 
ing of its occupying the entire west and southwest portions of the main- 
land, says : 

"The same widely-spread race extends into England, where it presents itself with 
the same general characters as in the ancient countries o£ the Belgic Gauls, the Batavi, 
the Frisiandones, and others. It is found in numbers from the Humber to the Cam, 
occupying the rich fens o£ Lincoln and Cambridge, and extending westward through the 
counties of Huntingdon, Northampton, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Warwick and 
Stafford to the Severn. Although most abundant in districts of rich pastures, it has 
extended northward, and very widely southward into the counties of the Chalk, retain- 
ing the typical characters, but varied with the climate, food, and other circumstances 
affecting its culture and condition. In the commons and poorer grounds it presents the 
coarse pack-horse form, distinctive of the greater part of the older horses of England. 
But in the fens and richer cultivated country, it attains the strength and stature of the 
largest horses which the world produces." 

From these early horses, then, have descended the modern Shires 
of England ; but we must look further, under the head of improvement, 
to find how the unwieldy giant Lincolnshire or Black Cart-horse was 
finally moulded into the handsome, large but fairly active horse now 
known as English Shire. Of the first improvement, we get a good idea 
from Youatt (on the Horse), 1861, who says : 

"All our heavy draft horses, and some even of the lighter kind, have been lately 
much crossed by the Flanders breed, and with evident improvement. Little has been 
lost in depth and bulk of carcase ; but the fore hand has been raised, the legs have been 
flattened and deepened, and very much has been gained in activity. The slow, heavy 
black, with his 2,!^ miles an hour, has been changed into a lighter but yet exceedingly 
powerful horse, that will step four miles in the same time, and with perfect ease, and has 
considerably more endurance. * * * As the Racer is principally or purely of Eastern 
origin, so has the English Draft horse sprung chiefly from Flemish blood, and to that 
blood the agriculturist has recourse for the perfection of the breed." 

During late years, the improvement of the Shire has been very 
great, breeders struggling successfully to secure less bulk with equal 
weight and added muscle. Probably the lighter horses of England, as 
well as the famous medium-sized "Dutch Mares," have had something 
to do in bringing about this very desirable change ; certain it is, that the 
English Shire of to-day is a horse fit to walk in the front rank of any 
breed of modern draft horses. 

27 



28 



ENGLISH SHIRES. 




ENGLISH SHIRES. 



29 




3° 



ENGLISH SHIRES. 



Importation to America has been slow. No very large importations 
had been made up to eight or ten years ago ; but since that time, west- 
ern farmers have found out their peculiar worth, and the demand thus 
created has led to great activity in importing circles. The American 
Shire Horse Association has been lately organized, with C. Burgess, of 
Wenona, 111., secretary. The first volume of the English Stud Book 
for Shire or Cart Horses was published in 1880, since which time some 
seven volumes have appeared — a fact which in itself illustrates the 
remarkable demand upon English breeders to supply registered Shire 
stock for American shipment. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS . 

The full description given of the Clydesdale in preceding chapter, 
with some few changes, may be accepted as a correct description of the 
English Shire. Colors are about the same, with, perhaps, a predomi- 
nance of blacks, browns and bays ; but the darker shades of gray, both 
dappled and steel or iron gray, are more frequently met with. The 
"blaze," or bald face, and white feet and stockings, are marks common 
to both Shire and Clyde, and the same is true of the long hair at and 
above the fetlocks, commonly known as the "feather." English 
breeders adhere with rigid tenacity to their faith in purity of blood, as 
shown by the feather ; while American importers and breeders are as 
surely convinced that the feather is not only worthless but positively 
injurious, by reason of keeping the feet in foul condition unless carefully 
cleaned and attended to. We can honestly admire the silken fringe of 
soft feather, but we must express our belief that its absence would 
detract nothing from the value of either Shire or Clyde. In point of 
size, the English Shire is larger of the two, and has, perhaps, less of that 
American objection — daylight — underneath. Importers, however, as a 
rule, have brought over the more compact and stylish Shires, and it is 
commonly no little trouble to decide by simple judgment of the indi- 
vidual, whether the animal is Clyde or Shire. (Compare, also, illustra- 
tions of the two breeds.) 

In the South the Shires are little known, and we can say nothing as 
to their relative merits in our warm climate ; but in the West they are 
becoming more popular with each succeeding year, and have an assured 
future along with the other draft breeds. 



Chapter VI. 



THE SUFFOLK PUNCH. 

This breed of horses, which has for many years enjoyed such 
merited popularity in England, has of late years found substantial and 
growing favor with American breeders. The origin of the Suffolk 
Breed is somewhat obscure, but the best evidence obtainable indicates 
the use of Norman stallions on the best native Suffolkshire mares. 
That this is true is strongly evidenced by the Suffolk color — sorrel, or 
light chestnut — which has so often been found a compromise color 
between bay and gray ; the former being represented in the native 
mares, the latter being the predominating color of the Norman stock. 

As far back as 1745 the Suffolk was famed for its still prominent 
characteristic — draft ; and notices of the breed at the drawing matches 
of that period may be unearthed among the old files of some of the 
English newspapers. 

Improvement of the Suffolk has been very great, especially within 
the last quarter century. Formerly there was said to be a tendency 
to foot troubles, but in the modern breed this tendency has disappeared. 
Among the later breeders and improvers, we may mention Mr. Alfred I. 
Smith, of Woodbridge, Suffolkshire, England. Mr. Smith has been 
especially active in stimulating American demand for his sorrel favorites, 
and since 1861, when his stud was established, has furnished many of 
the noted prize winners at English fairs. In the United States, many 
of our most prominent importers of Shires and Percherons have lately 
been importing Suffolks, and, we understand, the demand is fast increas- 
ing. The incorporation of the American Suffolk Punch Horse Associa- 
tion — A. R. Galbraith, Janesville, Wis., secretary — places the breed in 
popular light, and insures the steady advance of Suffolk interests in the 
United States. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS . 

Color, almost invariably chestnut or sorrel ; size, somewhat less 
than Shire or Clydesdale, having an average height of 15^ to 16)4 hands, 
and weighing at maturity from 1,400 to 1,800 lbs. The body is round, 
close and compact, with short, clean legs, and pasterns, free from the 
troublesome long hair of the Shire and Clyde. The shoulders are long, 
and lie well forward for draft; the bone is small but firm; the hind 
quarters long, heavy and well coupled to a short, close-knit back. The 

31 



32 



SUFFOLK PUNCH. 




SUFFOLK PUNCH 33 

general appearance indicates a rather over medium-sized sorrel horse 
with heavy, round body and short legs. The Suffolk is emphatically a 
draft animal, valuable for remarkable steadiness and great faithfulness 
in the collar. He will pull ever}^ pound which is possible, and no whip 
is needed or should be used to urge his natural freedom in work. As a 
horse for the general farmer, it would be hard to find one more suitable 
— having a good, fast walk, an even "all-around" trot, and sufficient 
weight to save muscle work before plow or harrow. 



Chapter VII. 



CLEVELAND BAYS. 

We have no authentic data regarding the origin of the Cleveland 
breed, but give what seems to be the most probable of the many theo- 
ries advanced. Professor Low says : 

"It has been formed by the same means as the Huuter, namely, by the progressive 
mixture of the blood of the Race Horse with the original breeds of the country." 

A later writer regards it as an offshoot from the old Scandinavian 
horse, improved by careful breeding under the different climatic condi- 
tions of England. By others he is thought to be a lineal descendant of 
the old war horse in ages past. We think it probable that a gradual 
use of horses of higher breeding on heavy mares of the larger English 
breeds, combined with marked skill and care in handling, has finally 
resulted in the formation of this excellent breed. Certain it is, that 
about the beginning of the present century, the horses of Cleveland 
were in great demand, and their breeding was carried on with system 
and success ; for a time they gradually declined in public favor, and 
indeed were threatened with total extinction, but during later years the 
breed has again advanced in favor, and, thanks to the efforts of the 
American Cleveland Bay Society (R. P. Stericker, of Springfield, 111., 
secretary), is once more widely and favorably known. The name of the 
breed is taken from the district of Cleveland, in Yorkshire, England, 
where it was first known, and the term bay was added to indicate the 
prevailing color. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color, invariably a bright bay, either light or dark, with black mane and tail, black 
points, and usually a small white spot between "bulbs" of the heel. In size they are 
medium, individuals standing from sixteen hands to sixteen hands three inches in height, 
and weighing from i,ioo to 1,300 lbs. The head is of fair size, with a face of kindly 
expression and intelligent cast ; neck finely arched and well set on to long, sloping 
shoulders; back short ; loins even and powerful ; hips of good length and legs straight, 
close knit, and free from long hairs at the fetlock. 

The Cleveland Bay is a general purpose horse, heavy enough for all ordinary farm 
work, and active, stylish and with ample speed for either wagon or carriage use. In 
breeding he transmits color, bone, style, kind and docile disposition, and general char- 
acteristics to a marked degree ; he is easy to handle, and for use in grading on the pony 
mares of the great Southwest, we doubt if his superior can be found, or indeed his 
equal. Royalty and Lord Derby (see illustrations), both prize winners are excellent 
representatives of the breed, and fully bear out the oroverbial good judgment of their 
respective importers 

34 



CLEVELAND BAYS 




36 



CLEVELAND BAYS. 



■iiii! ii!miiiiiililllliliiiiilili|llillii|i||^ 




Chapter VIII. 



FRENCH COACH HORSES. 

{Demi-Sang.^ 
These horses are the direct result of the wisdom and foresight of 
the French government. Some time during the latter part of the i8th 
century the government began the establishment of studs and breeding 
stables, in anticipation of an approaching scarcity of good horses for 
the cavalry service. Thoroughbred stallions from England were intro- 
duced and their services offered to breeders at remarkably low rates, the 
policy of the government being to buy back the get of these horses, and 
eventually establish a breed of the peculiar type desired. The practice 
led to a great deal of trickery in the way of selling good-looking in- 
dividuals on appearance solely, the fraud only appearing when the ani- 
mal was used for breeding purposes. To obviate this trouble, the French 
government adopted the plan of buying up superior stallion colts and 
rearing them in the public studs. In addition to this, the owners of very 
superior stallions are granted a bonus by the government, on condition 
that the stallion in question shall remain in the country for service ; 
a second class — the owners of stallions good but not fine — are allowed 
to offer their stallions for service, but receive no subsidy ; no stallions 
except these two classes, and those belonging to the government, are 
allowed to stand. In certain departments of France only — as notably 
in Orne, Calvados and Seine-Inf^rieure — is government attention directed 
to the production of Coachers ; in other departments the Thorough- 
bred, the Breton and the celebrated Norman and Percheroij horses re- 
ceive in turn particular attention. The American French Coach Horse 
Association has been organized, and a Stud Book started. S. D. Thomp- 
son, of Wayne, 111., is the present secretary. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

The color of the Franch Coach is usually bay, but chestnuts are abundant and 
blacks quite common ; the fashion in America calls for bays, and most of our importers 
have selected with a vie.w of supplying this fashionable demand. In size they rank with 
the Cleveland — an average weight falling between i,ooo and 1,200 lbs. for stalliouSi 
The head is small, with full forehead, expressive eyes, fine muzzle, and medium, quick- 
playing ears. The neck is long, well arched and firmly set on long, sloping shoulders. 
The back is short ; hips long and well up ; legs of good length, firmly knit, and with 
tough, well-made feet. In general appearance — as will be seen by a glance at the en- 
gravings — the French Coach Horse is just what the name indicates, a stylish, well-made 
carriage horse of good action and fine appearance. 

37 



38 



FRENCH COACH. 




FRENCH COACH 



< 

? Tl 



pi 



o 

X 

r» 
o 

n 



_. >» 



o 

z 






o 
o 










Chapter IX. 



OLDENBURG COACH HORSES. 

Concerning the origin of the Oldenburg Coacher, we learn from 
Hoffmeister's "History of the Oldenburg Horse," published in 1884, 
that Oldenburg has long been noted for its fine horses. As far back as 
the i6th centurj', careful steps were taken to advance the horse-breeding 
interests. Hoffmeister, in the work above mentioned, saj's : 

' ■ From 1552 to 1557 Count Johann was on intimate terms with the sons of Christian 
III. of Denmark, then being educated at Copenhagen, afterwards aiding each other in the 
wars of Sweden and Denmark. These kings took an active interest in the horse culture, 
and imported horses from Turkey, Italy and Spain. The pride that Johann XVI. took in 
horse culture, without doubt, was taken up by his relatives and carried to Oldenburg." 

Unhke the French Coacher — admittedl}' of recent formation — the 
Oldenburg horse is supposed to be the product of steady breeding in 
blood lines for many generations, with a basis of Oriental blood — Turk, 
Barb and Arabian —on the best common or native mares of the Duchy. 
C. E. Stubbs, one of the leading breeders of Oldenburgs in America, 
says concerning their origin : 

' ' Without a doubt the blood of the Arabian and Barb was more than 300 years ago 
carried to Oldenburg and infused into the native blood of the country, which has devel- 
oped the present large, high-gaited, symmetrical horses of the Duchy," 

Their importation to America has been only within the last few years, 
but there are already a goodly number of breeders and verj' many excel- 
lent individual animals credited to this side of the Atlantic. The Amer- 
ican "Oldenburg Coach Horse Association" has been recentl}^ organ- 
ized (C. E. Stubbs, Fairfield, Iowa, secretary), and after some trials and 
tribulations in the way of suits and restraining injunctions, is now fairly 
launched before the public. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHAR.-iCTERISTICS. 

Uniformlj' blacks, bays or browns, with or without dapples, and in- 
variably with mealy nose. In size they are about equal to the Cleveland 
Bay — stallions weighing from 1,100 to 1,300 or 1,400 lbs., and standing 
from 16 to i6)4 hands in height. They are spirited, high headed, high- 
knee acting, intelligent looking carriage horses, with neat, clean legs, 
and firm, well made feet. Although spirited, the}' are uniformly kind in 
disposition, and are known to be easil}' broken and handled for carriage 
uses. 

40 



OLDENBURG COACH. 



41 







Chapter X. 



GERMAN COACH HORSES. 

(^"German, Hanoverian and Oldenburg Coach Horses.") 

As the name of the breed indicates, it is of immediate German ori- 
gin, and as the name of the American Association appearing in paren- 
theses at the head of this chapter further indicates, there are admitted 
to entry horses from several different sections of the German empire. 

As near as we can learn, the status of the two Coach breeds from 
Germany furnishes a parallel to that of the two Draft breeds from France 
— Pefcheron and French Draft. Beyond all question there is much if 
not all the same foundation stock in both Oldenburg and German Coach, 
the main difference being that, while with the Oldenburg registration is 
limited to horses produced in Oldenburg, or descendants of horses so 
produced, with the German Coach Horse Stud Book, not only Olden- 
burg Coachers, but also Coach Horses from other portions of the empire 
and their descendants are admitted to registration. It is doubtless true 
that many equally good horses are to be found in Germany outside of the 
Duchy of Oldenburg, and that, therefore, there is some wisdom in hav- 
ing a Stud Book Association which admits to entry good horses not 
strictly Oldenburg bred. At the same time we cannot fail to notice the 
value of the restriction to certain set blood lines which the Oldenburg 
Stud Book requires. The Oldenburg is to the German Coacher what 
the Percheron is to the French Draft — the more carefully guarded blood 
element, which has been and is still being preserved in restricted reg- 
istration, and which must, therefore, prove of greatest value for breeding 
purposes. 

The first importation of German Coachers to <"he United States was 
made by the well-known firm of Oltmann Bros., Watseka, 111., in 1885, 
since which time they have been imported and bred in large numbers. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color, black, bay, brown or chestnut, with or without dapples — 
sometimes with a small white star, and occasionally with white feet and 
ankles. In size they also vary somewhat more than the Oldenburg, 
stallions standing from 15^ to 161^ hands, and weighing from 1,000 to 
1,400 ft)s. As above indicated, they differ from the Oldenburg chiefly 
in showing greater variation fn all things — color, size and action; but the 
really good specimens of either breed are identical to all intents and 
purposes. 

42 



GERMAN COACH. 



43 




liil 
liiii 



Chapter XI. 



HACKNEYS. 

The origin of the Hackney cannot be stated in definite terms ; 
indeed, it has been only within the last decade that it has been strictly 
considered a breed. The late change in rules of the English Associa- 
tion, permitting entry to the English Hackney Stud Book on a basis of 
inspection of individual animals, and infusion of blood other than 
Hackne3's proper ; and which was immediately followed by one of the 
Hackney Associations in America, if persisted in, should not fail to 
draw disfavor upon the breed, and cause a real degeneration in fixedness 
of character among Hackneys on both sides of the Atlantic. There are 
over 10,000 horses now recorded in the English Hackney Stud Book, 
and with this number as a basis, it is surely time to draw the lines 
closely regarding the admission of more outside blood. 

The foundation of the Hackney must be sought in the blood of the 
Hunter, combined with that of the English Thoroughbred, and with 
sufficient infusion of blood of the common middle-sized horse — generally 
known in England as the "Farmer's Horse" — to insure harness gaits 
and tractability. The strains of blood which are just now most popular 
among Hackneys are those of "Confidence" and "Fireaway" — indi- 
viduals, especially of the latter breeding, commanding ready sale at 
good figures. The Fireaways were especially noted as the best saddle 
strain which England has ever seen, and their blood, handed down 
through imported Bellfounder, as will be seen in Chapter on American 
Trotters, has proved desirable in more than one direction. 

It cannot be stated that the Hackney is yet a finished product so 
far as breeding is concerned. He is, rather, a horse of education, st5de 
and fashion ; the breeders of Hackneys formerly selecting individual 
animals which were nearest the type demanded by the fashion of the 
day, regardless of the blood lines which they represented. In later 
breeding, however, a great deal of this uncertainty has been eliminated, 
and with a proper system of registration the Hackneys would soon 
become an established fixture in blood. 

Concerning the origin of the name, the Horse-Brccdcr, London, 
England, says : 

"We cannot altogether say whether the Hackney derives its name from the London 
Suburb of that name, or from the verb to hack, derived from the French, to chop small 
or to cut to pieces; most likely the latter, as hacks of all sorts come in for a good deal of 
chopping and cutting to pieces. It is from the same word we have the Scotch word 

44 



HACKNEYS. 



45 




46 HACKNEYS. 

"haggis," a very healthy national dish, most indigestible to most Englishmen. There 
seems a disposition on the part o£ some of our northern friends to go back to the original 
verb, and make the Hackney Stud Book a sort of "haggis" Stud Book; at any rate, a 
Stud Book for hacks. Now, hacks and hackneys are very different animals." 

From the above it will be seen that the Horse-Breeder is disposed 
to exercise what in America we call "good horse sense," in that it 
emphatically objects to the introduction of any more outside blood, and 
consequent production of a "haggis," or in American parlance "hash," 
Stud Book. The American Hackney Horse Society of New York City 
is the one recognized by the English Association as the "Hackney 
Association of the United States," and as such should be the one to pay 
close attention to the real improvement of the Hackney breed. A 
proposition has been made offering to compromise on a set of rules for 
entry, and it is hoped that the two American Associations will agree 
upon some of the disputed points, and work together for Hackney 
interests. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

The colors found are bays, blacks, browns and chestnuts, often 
with white star and sometimes with white feet and ankles. In size they 
are about equal to the French Coacher, standing 15 to 16 hands high 
and weighing from 1,000 to 1,300 pounds. The Hackney is especially 
high at the withers ; shoulders strongly slanted ; neck well crested, and 
carrying the head very high ; back short ; legs of medium length, close 
knit; cannons broad and flat; pasterns shorter than with Thorough- 
breds and Trotters, but longer than with draft breeds ; feet firm and of 
moderate size ; forearm especially short, giving an unusually high knee 
action, and quarters well muscled and compact. 

The fashion has made it imperative to practice "docking," which 
consists in shortening the tail to a length of about 10 to 14 inches, and 
cutting the cords so as to force its carriage at a certain angle. The 
illustration will give a better idea of the appearance of the tail after this 
operation than can be given by word description. 

The Hackney's disposition is usually kind, and his speed in har- 
ness, while by no means comparing with that of the trotting horse, is 
still amply sufficient for all heavy carriage use. The Hackne}' really 
approaches closer to the standard of the Trotter than any of the other 
carriage breeds. They are uniformh^ hardy, strongly built, have an 
abundance of "style," and the best specimens can be relied on for 
endurance at long distance. 

The Hackney has become the English gentleman's favorite horse, 
of-all-work — being largely' used for park-riding as well as light road 
driving ; and in our eastern cities, where the tendency is so often to 
pattern after English custom and style, the Hackney finds his most con- 
genial American home. 



Chapter XII. 



THOROUGHBREDS. 

(^Running Horses.') 

We have thought best to commence this chapter by a brief notice 
of the term "Thoroughbred," and the confusion which has existed — 
indeed, confusion still exists — regarding its use in America. In England, 
the home of the Thoroughbred, the term is naturally well understood. 
In America all animals, whether horses, cattle, sheep or swine, if eligible 
to entry in the register of their peculiar breed, are spoken of as "thor- 
oughbred," as, for example, thoroughbred Shorthorns, thoroughbred 
Herefords, thoroughbred Southdowns, thoroughbred Berkshires, and so 
on through the list of recognized breeds of domestic animals. 

The term "thoroughbred," as thus used, is, it will be noted, an 
adjective, and is employed merely to express the fact that such an animal 
is eligible to entry in the Herd Book or Register of the breed to which 
he belongs. It is convenient and expressive, if not strictly accurate, 
and, as it will doubtless always be retained by American stock breeders, 
we may as well acquiesce in its acceptance, and try to thoroughly under- 
stand the difference between its use as an adjective and as a noun. It 
must be remembered that at the time the name first came into use as a 
synonym for the English race horse, it did so by reason of the acknowl- 
edged purity or "thorough" breeding of the animal in question. No 
horse without the blood of some celebrated runner of the English turf, 
or the blood of the Arabian, Turk or Barb in his pedigree, could at that 
time be even thought of as a horse of any breeding at all. The race 
horse was the especial horse of the nobility, and was the only animal at 
that time whose ancestral blood was known and recorded. The runner 
was commonly spoken of as "thoroughbred," and the word has naturally 
been adopted by all breeders as the proper name of the breed of running 
or racing horses, whose origin is found in Oriental blood transmitted 
through the veins of the early English race horse. 

Let us understand, then, that the noun "Thoroughbred" is simply 
the name of a breed of horses, just as Cleveland Bay and Percheron are 
the names, respectively, of other breeds of horses ; and with this under- 
standing we may proceed to a brief review of the origin and early history 
of the breed. 

As already intimated, the English Thoroughbred is the undoubted 
scion of Eastern blood — Turk, Barb and Arabian — improved and perfected 

47 



48 THOROUGHBREDS. 

by the influence of skillful handling and natural conditions peculiar to 
English soil and cHmate. The horses now generally regarded as of most 
value among the early invoices of Oriental blood may be named as fol- 
lows, in order of their importation : The White Turk, owned by Mr. 
Place, stud groom of the Lord Protector Cromwell ; the Byerly Turk, 
owned by Captain Byerly, and used by him as his charger in the wars of 
William in Ireland, about 1689 ; the Darley Arabian, owned by Mr. 
Darley, of Yorkshire ; and last in point of time, but by no means least 
in the number and great excellence of his descendants, the Godolphin 
Barb, called also "Godolphin Arabian," but erroneously, since he was 
universally admitted to be a Barb. 

Many other noted parents of racing stock might be named as illus- 
trating the extent to which the blood of the desert has been used in 
forming the modern Thoroughbred, but space forbids. The Darley 
Arabian, bred in the desert of Palmyra, may be said to be the parent of 
our best racing stock. From Youatt, in reference to this horse and his 
descendants, we quote : 

"His figure contained every point, without much show, that could be desired in a 
turf horse. The immediate descendants of this invaluable horse were the Devonshire or 
Flying Childers ; the Bleeding or Bartlett's Childers, who was never trained ; Almanzor, 
and others. The two Childers were the means through which the blood and fame of 
their sire were widely circulated ; and from them descended another Childers, Blaze, 
Snap, Sampson, Eclipse, and a host of excellent horses. The Devonshire or Flying 
Childers, so called from the name of his breeder, Mr. Childers, of Carr House, and the 
sale of him to the Duke of Devonshire, was the fleetest horse of his day." 

Probably the most noted of the descendants of Flying Childers was 
King Herod, the founder of the old Herod line of English Thorough- 
breds. He was the sire of 497 winners, who gained for their owners 
some ^200,000. 

Of Sampson more extended mention will be found in the chapter 
on American Trotters. His reputed and recorded sire was Blaze, but 
his actual sire has been commonly supposed to be of heavier, coarser 
extraction ; be that as it maj', in the horse Sampson, regardless of his 
pedigree, was combined the exact elements necessary to plant the germ 
of the trotting instinct, which has been so highly developed in the long 
list of trotting horses descended from his great-grandson, imported 
Messenger. 

Eclipse was, by acknowledged right, the most wonderful horse ever 
produced on English turf. His career was so brilliant both on the turf 
and in the stud, and his exploits so remarkable, that the following quo- 
tation from Prof. Low's great work may prove of interest : 

• ' Eclipse was got by Marske, a grandson of Bartlett's Childers, out of Spiletta. 
He was foaled in the year 1764, during the eclipse of that year, from which circumstance 
he took his name. He was bred by the Duke of Cumberland, and on the death of that 
prince sold to Mr. Wildman, a salesman at Smithfield, and afterwards he became the 



THOROUGHBREDS. 49 

property of Mr. O'Kelly. Eclipse had not the grandeur of form of the Flying Childers, 
and might have escaped notice but for the accidental trial of his stupendous powers. He 
was about fifteen hands and one inch high. His shoulders were very low, and so thick 
above that, according to the observation of the times, a firkin of butter might have rested 
upon them. He stood very high behind, a compilation suited to his great power of pro- 
gression ; he was so thick winded as to be heard blowing at considerable distance. In 
the language of the honest John Lawrence, ' He puffed and blowed like an otter, and 
galloped as wide as a barn door.' No sooner were his powers exhibited on the turf, than 
every eye was set to scrutinize his form, and he was then admitted to possess in perfection 
the external characters indicative of great speed. A volume was written on his propor- 
tions by M. Saint Bel, a veterinary surgeon, whose investigations showed that his figure 
differed greatly from the conventional form which speculative writers had assigned as the 
standard of perfection. He was of an indomitable temper, and his jockeys found it in 
vain to attempt to hold him, but contented themselves with remaining still on the saddle 
while he swept along, his nose almost touching the ground. His full speed was not deter- 
mined, since he never met with an opponent sufficiently fleet to put it to the proof. He 
not only was never beaten, but he was able to distance some of the best horses of his 
time, and the fleetest could not keep by his side for fifty yards together. This remarkable 
horse first appeared on the turf at the age of five, in 1769. In the first heat he set off of 
his own accord, and easily gained the race, his rider pulling in vain with all his force for 
the last mile. O'Kelly observing this, and aware of his horse's powers, offered in the 
second heat to place the horses, and he took heavy bets that he did so. When called 
upon to declare, he said, ' Eclipse first, and the rest no place.' He gained his wagers; 
Eclipse was first, and all the others were distanced, or, in the language of the turf, had 
noplace. From this time Eclipse was continually on the turf, and gained every race ; 
no horse daring to contend with him, he closed his career of 17 months by walking over 
the Newmarket Course for the King's Plate, in October. 1770. During this brief period, 
it is said that he gained ;^25,ooo for his owner. He was then employed with prodigious 
profit as a stallion. He got 334 winners at our numerous race courses, who are com- 
puted to have gained about ;^ 160, 000 to their owners, besides cups and plates. He died 
in 1789, at the age of 25." 

The later English racers have been horses of great speed and endur- 
ance — great in those things that go to make up a great horse ; but 
many seem to think that the modern English Thoroughbred is not the 
equal of his former self. Sharper races, more of them, and especially 
coming at an earlier age — very frequently at the age of two or three 
years — have, it is claimed, decreased somewhat the stamina and wonder- 
ful endurance found in the earlier horses of note. 

The American Thoroughbred is, of course, a lineal descendant of 
the parent stock (English) ; in other words, all American horses eligible 
to entry in the American Stud Book for Thoroughbred Horses — edited 
and published by Col. S. D. Bruce, of New York — are either imported 
from England, or are the descendants of horses so imported. 

In the United States, it has been found advisable to permit a certain 
relaxation of the rigid rules adhered to in the English Stud Book, and 
to admit animals that show an unmixed descent for five generations of 
pure blood. This necessarily admits animals which are not strictly 
Thoroughbred, but if for five generations nothing but Thoroughbred 
stallions are used, the resulting animal is so nearly Thoroughbred as to 

4 



50 THOROUGHBREDS 

answer all requirements. Indeed, we are inclined to think that the 
American system of breeding and recognized rules for entry have done 
much toward making the American Thoroughbred the successful rival of 
his English cousin, which he has proved himself to be. 

Of the American Thoroughbreds which have earned distinction on 
the turf, we may mention : American Eclipse, by Duroc, out of Miller's 
Damsel, by Imp. Messenger ; Lexington, by Boston, out of Alice Car- 
neal, by Imp. Sarpedon ; Prioress, by Imp. Sovereign, out of Reel, by 
Glencoe ; Leammgton, by Faugh-a-Ballagh, out of a mare by Pantaloon; 
Springbok, by Australian, out of Hester, b}' Lexington ; Nettie Norton, 
by Imp. Leamington, out of Long Nine, by Lightning ; Ten Broeck, by 
Imp. Phaeton, out of Fannj' Holton, by Lexington ; Tom Ochiltree, by 
Lexington, out of Katona, bj' Voucher ; Parole, by Imp. Leamington, 
out of Maiden, by Glencoe ; and Iroquois, by Imp. Leamington. 

Iroquois, in 1881, played havoc with English ideas of the supremacy 
of English horses, winning both the English Derby and the St. Leger 
against the pick of English Thoroughbreds. Concerning his victory in 
the St. Leger, Mr. Curzon, in his interesting chronicle of the Derby — 
"The Blue Ribbon of the Turf" — after telling of the intense but fortu- 
nately futile opposition to the American contestant, saj's ; 

" At the last moment the betting settled down and Iroquois started for the St. Leger 
as first favorite, the price offered being 2 to i. The story of the struggle need not be 
retold. An exciting race between Geologist and the American resulted in the victory of 
the latter, well ridden by England's greatest jockey [F. Archer], by a length. The win 
was a popular one. As Iroquois was seen to have the race in hand, the excited shouts of 
100,000 persons rent the air, the cheers resounding again and again as Archer brought 
his horse into the enclosure. All present seemed highly gratified at the result of the race 
and the defeat of those birds of evil omen which had croaked a few short hours before, as 
if the disgrace of the gallant American steed was a certainty. 

" Some backers of the colt never faltered in their loyalty. The more Iroquois was 
decried, and his chance made light of, all the readier they seemed to back their opinion 
with their money. When the horse was seen stripped for the race, all men who could 
judge saw in a moment that he was as fit as hands could render him, and many of those 
who had hedged their money at a loss, because of the evil reports which had been so 
industriously circulated, would have been glad enough to have again backed him could 
they have the opportunity ; but, alas ! it was too late. They were wedged in the dense 
mass of people who filled the stand, and had no alternative but to patiently wait and see 
Iroquois credit Brother Johnathan with his first St. Leger. 

"During all that took place the quiet confidence of Jacob Pincus [Iroquois' trainer] 
never faltered. Some persons were so bold as to suggest that he might have been bought 
by the "enemy," but Jacob went on with his training duties, heeding not the idle rumors. 
And who will say that his reward was not a great one, as he proudly led the steed into 
the paddock, after the supreme excitement of witnessing the race had been endured." 

Among the later celebrities of the turf, not one, perhaps, has stood 
higher in public favor than the Bard (see illustration), a bay stallion, 
foaled 1883, owned by A. J. Cassatt. As a recognition of his remarkable 
career on the turf, we give place to the following tabulated pedigree : 



THOROUGHBREDS. 



51 




52 



THOROUGHBREDS. 



Q 
< 

w 
X 



Leamington 



Nanlura. 



War Dance. 



Brenna 



Faugh-a-Ballagh . . 

Daughter 

Brawner's Eclipse. 
Queen Mary 



J Sir Hercules. 

j Guiccolli. 

I Pantaloon. 

( Daphne. 

j American Eclipse. 

j Daughter. 



( Bertrand, 
j Lady Fortune. 

( Boston. 

( Le.xmgton -j ^lice Carneal. 

1 1 Glencoe. 

' Reel j Gallopade. 

T T^ ■ ui * c-» r- I Irish Birdcatcher. 

^ Imp. Knight of St. George . . I j^^^^^^ 

] ( Imp. Trustee. 

' Levity ] Vandal's Dam. 



Concerning the race for Freehold Stakes at Monmouth Park, N. J., 
August 2d, i888, in which the Bard suffered defeat for the first time, 
the Turf, Field and Farm, of New York (issue August loth, 1888), says : 

" Since our last issue, sudden checks have been given to the victorious careers of 
several public idols. The Bard has succumbed to Firenzi, Raceland lowered his colors to 
Badge, Kingston and Terra Cotta suffered defeat byElkwood, Little Minch was out-speeded 
by Yum-Yum, and even in England, the crack two-year-old Donovan has met with a 
reverse. But the case of the Bard is the most serious of all, for not only has he been 
beaten after winning seven straight stakes, but, in all probability, he has appeared for 
the last time in public. 

"The race in which he met with his mishap was the Freehold, at Monmouth, on 
Thursday of last week. Firenzi was his only opponent. The Bard made the running, 
setting a fast pace, but at no time did Garrison permit the filly to be more than three 
lengths behind. He closed in the stretch, forced Hayward to the whip at the last six- 
teenth pole, and then coming away, won by two lengths in 2:34, which equals the record. 
Luke Blackburn having made the same time at Monmouth as a three-year-old on August 
17th, 1880, with 102 pounds up, and Jim Guest, when four years old, and carrying 98 
pounds, having made a like record at Washington Park. Chicago, July 24th, 1886. The 
first quarter was run in 0:27, the half in 0:52, the three-quarters in 1:18, the mile in 
i:42>^, and the mile and a quarter in 2:08 1^. It was a splendid performance for both. 

" While The Bard did not pull up lame, as far as could be noticed at the close 
of the race, it was but a short time before he began to favor his off hind leg, which began 
to swell. Dr. Shepherd was called to examine the horse, but inflammation was so great, the 
swelling being midway between the hock and fetlock joint, that it was impossible to diag- 
nose the case, and the extent of the injury had not been definitely determined on Tuesday 
last, although it was generally deemed to be permanent. After the race, Hayward said 
that for the first time this season. The Bard had not tried to get away from him when he 
had mounted, not taking hold of the bit in his accustomed style. Like his illustrious sire, 
he has gone down in battle, covered with glory, both finishing their races in the gamest 
manner on three legs. That there would have been a still greater contest and in faster 
time had The Bard been right, there is no question in our mind, for we have long been of 
the opinion that, under favorable conditions, he could lower almost any record." 

The Emperor of Norfolk (see illustration from sketch immediately 
after winning the American Derby) is another one of the successful win- 
ners of 1888. At Chicago, June 23rd, he won the American Derb}', 



THOROUGHBREDS. 



53 




54 



THOROUGHBREDS. 



netting in this one race $14,590. and making a total amount thus far 
won for his owner of $28,530, said to the largest winnings credited to 
any living horse. There is a little " cold" blood in the remote pedigree 
of the Emperor, coming through the Potomac mare — dam of Betsy Ma- 
lone — but it is so far back that it affects neither his speed nor his breed- 
ing value. His abridged pedigree may be given as follows : 

Sir Archy. 
Saltram Mare. 
Ball's Florizel. 
Alderman Mare. 



• Boston . 



■ Alice Carneal. 



• Imp. Glencoe. 



" Chloe Anderson. 



■ Imp. Bonnie Scotland 



"Lady Lancaster. 



s 



- Imp. Yorkshire . 



^ Charmer . 



/ Timoleon 

/ Sister to Tuckahoe. 

I Imp. Sarpedon 

( Rowena 

/ Sultan 

( Trampoline 

I Rodolph 

/ Belle Anderson . . . . 

I lago 

f Queen Mary 

/ Imp. Monarch 

( Lady Canton 

/ St. Nicholas 

( Moss Rose 

I Imp. Glencoe 

( Betsy Malone 



Emilius. 

Icaria. 

Sumpter. 

Lady Gray. 

Selim. 

Bacchante. 

Tramp. 

Web. 

Sir Archy Montorio. 

Daughter of Hoxall's Moses. 

Sir William. 

Butterfly. 

Don John. 

Scandal. 

Gladiator. 

Daughter of Plenipotentiary. 

Priam. 

Delphine. 

Imp. Tranby. 

Mary Randolph. 

Emilius. 
Seamew. 
Tramp. 
Sandro Mare. 
Sultan. 
Trampoline, 
Stockholder. 
Potomac Mare. 

The Chicago Horseman, in a notice of the Emperor, says : 

" He is a grandly proportioned horse, and is so constructed that he can carry all the 
penalties that are piled upon him without materially interfering with his speed. He has 
defeated all the best three-year-olds of the year so easily that it is impossible to accurately 
gauge his powers. Should he meet The Bard at weight for age, we shall expect to see a 
grand struggle, and one which will be fully described in the annals of the turf. Both in his 
two and three-year-old career, he has proved himself to be a race-horse of the very highest 
quality, and one of those exceptionally great horses which only appear once in a decade. 

' ' The Emperor of Norfolk was bred by Theodore Winters. He was foaled on Jan- 
uary 12, 1885, and was purchased at the Winters sale on December 20, 1886, by E. J. 
Baldwin for £2,550. He is by that mighty son of Lexington, Norfolk, out of Marian by 
Malcolm. In the veins of the Emperor flows the rich red tide which came from those 
grand fountains of speed — Lexington, Glencoe, Bonnie Scotland and Yorkshire. When 
as a racing star of the first magnitude the Emperor has run his allotted course, his splen- 
did individuality, grand speed powers and patrician lineage will combine to enthrone him 
as the first lord of the harem." 



THOROUHKREDS. 



55 





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3 




m 




J) 




o 


n 


» 


c 


z 


14. 




n 


-t 


•< 


X 




o 




s 


^ 


o 




c 


s^ 


o 


^ 




S: 




i^ 


o 


«. 


0) 


Si 


H 



^ 5 



3 
3 

z 
■< 




56 THOROUGHBREDS. 

One of the best of the winners of 1892 is the chestnut colt Tam- 
man}-, son of Iroquois and TuUahoma, whose likeness we present through 
the courtesy of Turf, Field and Farm, New York. Tammany was bred 
by General W. H. Jackson, Nashville, Tenn., and was foaled March 23, 
1889. He was purchased as a yearling by Mr. Marcus Daly for $2,500, 
and as he has already credited back to his owner, in stake earnings alone, 
something over $100,000, the price paid can hardly be considered a 
high one. Tammany's best victory was won from Yorkville Belle in the 
rich Jerome stakes at Morris Park, Saturday October, 8, 1892, concerning 
which the Ti(7-f, Field and Fartji, issue of October 14, 1892, says : 

"Although the race had five other starters, scarcely a person cared to invest on any 
one of them, and 40 to i bar two was freely offered. At the start Silver Fox and Julian 
started out to make the running, each for his stable companion, and so well did they per- 
form their mission that they were soon many lengths in advance of their field, while York- 
ville Belle was lying fifth and Tammany yet further behind ; this was about the order 
until three-eights from home, when Yorkville Belle went to the front, but no sooner did 
she make this move than Garrison was after her with Tammany, and the two raced to- 
gether until within a sixteenth of home when Tammany with a little shaking up, drew 
away and won by a good length." 

As a fitting refutation of the absurd theory of degeneration among 
Thoroughbreds, and as expressing at the same time the improvement 
of the running course and nearer approach to perfection in the trainer's 
art, we give herewith a brief statement showing the running records at 
the close of the racing season of 1892, with name of horse, age, weight 
carried, record and time at which made, for each of the main divisions 
of distance from one-half to four miles : 

One-half mile, 0:46, Geraldine (4), 122 lbs., made August 30, 1889. 

Three-fourths mile, 1:10%, Fides (4), 116 lbs., made May 31, i8go 

One mile, 1:35 '2, Salvator (4), no lbs., made August 28, 1890. The world's mile 
running race record is i:37.'4, and is held by the Rancocas filly Kildeer, made August 13, 
1S92, 

One and one-eighth miles, i:5i!<, Tristan (6), 114 lbs., made June 2, i8gi. 

One and one-fourth miles, 2:03^, Banquet (3), 108 lbs., made July 17, 1890. 

One and one-half miles, 2:3234^. Lamplighter (3), 109 lbs., made August 9, 1892, 
This distance had been previously covered by Firenzi as a six-year-old, and carrying 117 
lbs., in exactly 2:33. 

Two miles, 3:27^, Ten Broeck (5), no lbs., made May 29, 1877. 

Three miles, 5:24, Drake Carter (4), 115 lbs., made September 6, 1884. 

Four miles, 7:15,^4^, Ten Broeck (4), 104 lbs., made September 27, 1876. The four 
mile running race record is 7:r9>2, held by Fellowcraft, who covered the distance as a 
four-year-old, carrying io8 lbs , on August 20, 1S74. 

The Coney Island Jockey Club this year (1892) offered a purse for 
a four mile race, and it was won by Demuth from Tea Tra\' in 7:20, but 
one-half second slower than the race record of Fellowcraft, and this, too, 
without any attempt at, or idea of, lowering a record. It is fairly prob- 
able that almost any one of the best performers of 1892, if fitted for the 
four mile distance, could lower the record made in 1874, and some of 
them at least, could approximate, if not defeat, the time record of Ten 



THOROUGHBREDS. 57 

Broeck, which has stood unchallenged since 1879. Drake Carter's grand- 
dam is by Lexington, and is a half-sister to Fellowcraft, who ran four 
miles in y-.igyi, while Demuth's sire, Ten Broeck, is out of Fanny Holton 
b)' Lexington — his dam being bj^ Longfellow, a son of imported Leaming- 
ington, and a half-brother to Fannj' Holton — dam of Ten Broeck. 

Ten Broeck's mile record of 1:39^, made against time, Maj' 24, 1877, 
was the first time record at that distance, and stood untouched until i8go, 
when first lowered by Senator Stanford's Racine to 1:39^. Racine's 
record was made as a tliree-3'ear-old, carrj'ing 107 lbs. in a race, and on 
a regulation track, Washington Park, Chicago, June 28, 1890. August 
28th the same 5'ear Salvator set the mark so low ( i :35i;-^) that it will 
likel}' remain for some time. It must be remembered, however, that 
Salvator's great mile was made against time and over the straight course 
at Monmouth Park. Since Racine first lowered Ten Broeck's mile rec- 
ord it has been beaten not onl}' b}' Salvator as above noted, but by 
Raveloe, 1:3914^, July 31, 1890; La Tosca, 1:39^0, 1891 ; Kirsch, 1:38, 
August 4, 1892, and Kildeer, 1:373^, in a race August 13, 1892. 

While no two famous winners have ever been exactl)' alike in con- 
formation, there are yet many points of similarity, and we have thought 
best to give the following short 

DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL THOROUGHBRED. 

The head is fine ; neck slender but well set on at the shoulders ; chest 
deep, wide and bounded b}' shoulders long and slanting ; hind quarters 
high and well muscled ; legs flat, with short cannons, long, elastic pas- 
terns, and rounded, well-made feet. Not a pound of surplus fat is car- 
ried when in racing trim ; the cords and muscles stand out clearly, and 
pla}' in action like the sensitive strings of some delicate instrument. 
The Racer is essentially nervous in temperament ; many have been made 
vicious by careless handling, and not a few have failed to show extreme 
speed on the turf because of failure to understand and appreciate their 
nerve peculiarities. 

Many regard the Thoroughbred as a mere fancy animal — the espe- 
cial horse of the sporting fraternity — but we do not agree with such ex.. 
pression. His indomitable will and wonderful endurance, combined 
with his beauty of form and usually good size, make him a horse of much 
value to use on native mares of mixed breeding, and the colts thus pro- 
duced are among our most stylish saddle and harness horses. The South 
has always been rich in the blood of the Thoroughbred; and since there 
has been little call for horses of the heavier breeds until recent times, 
mules being employed almost exclusively for heavy draft and farm work, 
the Racer has served a most valuable purpose. As heavier stallions are 
now being introduced extensivel}'. we shall find the mares of racing stock 
a valuable foundation for producing an excellent general purpose horse. 



Chapter XIII. 



AMERICAN SADDLE HORSES. 

The saddle horse is a modern production — based on a growing de- 
mand for something not only handsome, but comfortable as well, for 
saddle use. The English style of riding, as aped by "riding masters" 
in the eastern cities, is so essentially uncomfortable and really inelegant 
as to seem ridiculous to any one who knows what a good saddle animal 
is. The trot, of all gaits, is the one least suited to ease and elegance in 
the saddle, and the bent-knee, sit-down-on-a-tack-and-jump-up-again 
action of the would-be stylish, short-stirrup rider of the park hack should 
be very stylish, indeed, to compensate for the utter absence of all things 
elegant. 

The American Saddle Horse is now recognized among the newly 
formed breeds. The National Saddle Horse Breeders' Association was 
organized in June, i8gi, and under the guidance of Secretary I. B. Nail, 
Louisville, Ky. , has already issued Vol. I. of the Stud Book. Rules for 
entry to the second volume are as follows : 

" I. Stallions that trace on either sire's or dam's side direct to foundation, regis- 
tered stock, or to stock eligible to registry, and go the following gaits : (i) walk, (2) trot, 
(3) rack, (4) canter, (5) running walk, fox trot or slow pace. Mares or geldings that go 
the gaits specified above. 

" 2 . Any stallion whose sire, grand sire, dam and grand dam are of strains of blood 
recognized by this association. 

" 3. Any stallion that has sired five or more performers under rule i. 

"4. Any mare that has produced two or more performers under rule i. 

" 5. Progeny of a standard horse out of a standard mare. 

"6. The female progeny of a standard horse, when out of a mare by a standard 
horse." 

The origin of the Saddler is, of course, found in Thoroughbred 
blood, supplemented by the blood of easy pacers which have proved 
potent in imparting saddle gaits. As stated by Secretary Nail, the 
association recognizes as "foundation stock," under rules above, the 
following individual sources of saddle blood : 

Denmark, Thoroughbred, by Imp. Hedgeford ; Brinker's Drennon, 
by Davy Crockett ; Sam Booker, by Boyd McNary, Thoroughbred ; 
John Dillard, by Indian Chief ; Tom Hal, imp. from Canada; Coleman's 
Eureka; Vanmeter's Waxy; Cabell's Lexington, by Blood's Black 
Hawk; .Copperbottom, pacer; Stump-the-Dealer; Texas, b}' Comanche: 
Prince Albert, by Frank Wolford ; Peter's Halcorn, and Varnon's Roe- 
buck, a Missouri horse. 

58 



AMERICAN SADDLE HORSES. 



59 




6o AMERICAN SADDLE HORSES. 

The gaits recognized b)' the association, as stated in rule i, are 
walk, trot, rack, canter, running walk, fox trot and slow pace. Of these 
gaits, the running walk — more commonly known as the " single-foot' ' — 
is by odds the most elegant saddle gait, combining the st^de and speed 
of the trot and rack, or pace, with the comfort and stability in the saddle 
of the easiest "lope" or canter. In the southern portion of the United 
States, and especially in Texas, are the finest single-footing saddlers of 
the world; and a goodh' percentage of the number are able to go a 
better than three-minute rate. The fox trot is as easy, but has not the 
style or speed of the fleeter single-foot. The fox trot, the slow pace and 
the fast walk will always remain the standard long-distance gaits of the 
educated saddler, making five to seven miles per hour, and doing it 
with ease to both horse and rider. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

In appearance the typical Saddler is a combination of Thoroughbred 
and Trotter, having the size, gameness, and eas}', clean-going action of 
the former, with the quiet, intelligent appreciation of education at the 
trainer's hands, which we find so marked among the Trotters. All colors 
are found — bays, browns, blacks, chestnuts and grays, about in the order 
named. Stallions weigh from i,ooo to 1,200 pounds, mares proportion- 
ately less. The head is fine ; neck slender, but well arched and muscular; 
shoulders and girth deep and ample ; back short ; rump close and gener- 
ally sloping ; quarters long and well muscled, and legs fine-boned, neat, 
close-fleshed, and without feather. 

Our illustration represents one of the most noted of modern Ameri- 
can saddle stallions. 



Chapter XIV. 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

While not yet recognized as a separate breed, the American Trotter is 
fast approaching that distinction, and the long lines of fast moving off- 
spring from the famous stallions that founded the several strains of mod- 
ern Trotters point unmistakably to that constant transmission of char- 
acteristic qualities which alone determines a breed. 

ORIGIN AND IM PROVE JIE NT . 

The history of the origin and improvement of American Trotters 
furnishes one of the most, if not the most, remarkable examples of hu- 
man skill in developing and training to desired lines qualities which 
before had remained partially developed or entirely latent. The courage 
and stamina of the Trotting Horse, in brief, are found in the use of 
oriental blood in and through the royal blood of the Thoroughbred; but 
to those remarkable individual animals hereinafter mentioned — in which 
the trotting gait seems to have been a spontaneous development of the 
trotting instinct combined with the energy and speed of the Racer — 
belongs the credit for his immediate origin. 

Among the horses which may be thus considered original sources of 
trotting blood, and first in the list, by acknowledged right, stands 

IMPORTED MESSENGER, 

himself a Thoroughbred, and embracing some of the choicest blood of 
the desert in his make-up, as will be seen by a simple statement of his 
paternal ancestry : Imported Messenger was a gray horse, foaled in 1780; 
imported to United States in 1788, and died on Long Island in 1808. 
His first sire was Mambrino, second sire Engineer, third sire Sampson, 
fourth sire Blaze (?), fifth sire Flying Childers, sixth sire Darley Ara- 
bian. His dam was sired by Turf, by Matchem, by Cade (who was a son 
of Godolphin Arabian), and his second dam was by Regulus, also a son 
of Godolphin Arabian. His great grandsire, Sampson, was a black horse 
out of all keeping with the ideal Thoroughbred in appearance, being 
large, coarse and heavy boned, but with a wonderful power of speed and 
bottom. Sampson's reputed and recorded sire was Blaze, a bay Thor- 
oughbred, but his conformation and the inclination to trot which he 
transmitted to his offspring have led students of equine history to doubt 
the record of his paternity, and assert that his dam was covered by a 
coach horse. If this were true — and it seems at least reasonable — it was 

61 



62 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

the most fortunate accident that could have occurred, since it furnished 
the exact combination to insure a change of gait and still retain the fire 
and instinctive speed of the Racer. 

The peculiar conformation of Imported Messenger — low, round, al- 
most flat withers — has been faithfully handed down to his lineal descend- 
ants ; and it is a matter of common note, that all true Messenger-bred 
Trotters have alwa3's enjoyed a remarkable freedom from all kinds of 
foot, leg and bone diseases. Messenger blood is found in nearly every 
family of American Trotters ; and through his great grandson, Rysdyk's 
Hambletonian, we have a family pre-eminent above all others in stead}' 
reproduction of the trotting gait, through a long line of noted descend- 
ants, of which we shall write later. 

Another original source of trotting blood was found in 

niPORTED BELLFOUNDER, 

a blood ba}', with white diamond on nose, and white left hind foot. His 
breeding has always been a matter of question, but by the best evidence 
obtainable his pedigree is as follows : Sire, Old Bellfounder, out of Ve- 
locity by Haphazard, by Sir Peter, out of Miss Hervey by Eclipse. 
Grand dam of good blood but not Thorougbred. This stamps him as a 
true descendant of the Fireawa)'s — a strain which has never been ex- 
celled for the saddle. Bellfounder, the " Norfolk Trotter," was foaled 
about 1815, imported to America in 1822, and died on Long Island in 
1843. He was a natural trotter, of remarkable honesty, and his truest 
descendants have since been known as "field trotters," showing their 
best speed when free from all restraint of reins. The peculiar value of 
the Bellfounder blood is found, like that of Duroc, in its happy combi- 
nation with the blood of Messenger. 

DUROC 

was not an imported horse, but was foaled (1806) and bred in Virginia. 
He was a chestnut in color, of remarkable frame and muscle, got by im- 
ported Diomed — a small chestnut horse, winner of the first English 
Derby— and from him (Diomed) he derived many serious blood defects 
—such as a tendency to foot and leg troubles, as well as those high qual- 
ities of nerve and spirit which are found in all of Diomed's descendants. 
On his dam's side he traces to imported Medley, a gray by Gimcrack, 
also a gray, and from this quarter comes the peculiar conformation of 
his descendants— wide hips, long powerful thighs, and hocks placed low 
down over short hind cannons — which is always accompanied by an open, 
loose "straddling" action, by many regarded a sure indication of trotting 
promise. As already noted, his greatest value was found in combination 
with Messenger blood, and, in such horses as Alhambra, Messenger-Du- 
roc and American Star was found its happiest combination. 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 63 

ST. LAWRENCE 

must not be omitted in our mention of the early sources of trotting blood. 
He was a small, baj', Canada-bred horse, standing about 15}^ hands ; 
was foaled about 1841, brought over to New York about 1848, and died 
in Michigan 1858. His breeding is not known, but he was a trotjter and 
a sire of trotters. The peculiar motion which proclaims St. Lawrence 
blood is seen among all of his descendants : The hind quarters gently 
swing from side to side, as the hind feet successively advance, trotting 
with an even but rolling and far-reaching action, that gives an idea of 
almost irresistible power and momentum. 

In this connection we quote the opinion of Mr. H. T. Helm — an 
acknowledged authority in matters concerning trotting stock — as given 
in his valuable work on "American Roadsters and Trotting Horses": 

"The fact has become so clear that in some parts of our country the Messenger 
blood has been bred too closely, and the need of a suitable out-cross of high trotting 
■quality having become apparent in many instances, such a blood as that of St. Lawrence 
affords, for all such, one of the most valuable strains with which to inter-breed. Many 
valuable mares now exist that are so closely and strongly in-bred in the Messenger blood 
that their value as breeding stock mainly depends on the obtaining of a suitable out-cross 
to invigorate the blood, and maintain the trotting excellence for which it has been noted. 
For all such the male descendants of St. Lawrence will afford the desired cross, and the 
union will in all probability result, as did that of Bellfounder in the Hambletonian, in 
the further advancement of the American Trotter." 

Next on the list comes the Canadian pacer, 

PILOT. 

His breeding, like that of St. Lawrence, is not known, except that his 
ancestrj' came originally from France to Acadia, and thence to Canada, 
forming a class of tough and valuable horses, since known as French 
Canadians, or Kanucks. He was foaled about 1826, but was first known 
at New Orleans, 1832, when he was said to be six years old, and was 
purchased of a peddler for Si, 000; he died in Kentucky in 1855. Pilot, 
in brief, was a black stallion, standing less than 15 hands, with short 
Tieck, rather thick and heavy about the throat ; a long, coarse mane, 
-showing the handsome, wavy curl which characterizes the French Cana- 
dian wherever found; a close-knit, muscular body; a sloping rump ; a 
heavj' tail of same quality as mane, and long quarters, with hocks placed 
low down. His whole make-up was one of utility, and his descendants 
— chiefly through the blood of his greatest son, Pilot Jr., combined with 
the blood of established trotting strains — have among them the fastest 
^trotters in the world. 

The dam of Maud S. — 2:o8j^ — the fastest trotter known before the 
.advent of the kite track and the bicycle sulky, was by Pilot Jr., as was 
also the dam of the famous gelding Jay Eye See — 2:10 — whose 1892 
jpacing record of i:o6yl makes him the fastest double-gaited horse in 



64 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

the world. True, these fainous movers are descended on the other side 
in direct line from Hambletonian, but this fact does not detract from the 
great value of the Pilot blood when used in such mighty combination. 

GRAND BASHAW, 

a Barb of the purest lineage, was imported from Tripoli in 1820, and 
died in Pennsylvania in 1845. His color was black, with small white 
star, and he was said to be of very great beauty. In 182 1 he produced 
Young Bashaw — from Pearl, by Bond's First Consul, out of a mare by 
Imp. Messenger — and through this son has come the credit to Grand 
Bashaw as an original source of trotting blood. In view of the fact that 
the grand dam of Young Bashaw was b}- Imp. Messenger, and the further 
fact that Young Bashaw was a coarse-looking gray horse, in many re- 
spects resembling the Messenger strain, it has been claimed that the 
Bashaws and their noted descendants — the Clays — are really nothing but 
branches of the great Messenger stem, and that, therefore, the claims of 
Grand Bashaw are naught, and his name, assumed by the family, an 
usurpation of Messenger right. 

In part, at least, this may be considered sound reasoning ; but we 
think it more just to admit that the blood of the imperial Barb, Grand 
Bashaw, was the one element needed in combination to develop the 
strain of trotters that bears his name. 

Last on the list, but by no means least in importance, stands old 

JUSTIN MORGAN, 

a clear, bright bay, foaled in 1793 near Springfield, Mass.; died near 
Chelsea, Vt. , in 1821. .His parentage cannot be definitely ascertained, 
but from the best circumstantial evidence it would appear that his sire 
was a horse called True Briton, or Beautiful Bay, and in all probability 
a Thoroughbred. His dam was said to be of the "Wildair" breed, and 
to have a share, be it more or less, of the blood of the Lindsey Arabian 
in her veins. There is some reason, also, for the belief in certain quar- 
ters that he had a trace of Canadian blood in his make-up ; although 
the remarkable impressiveness of Morgan and his descendants in matters 
of color, form, gait and disposition mark a predominance of Oriental, 
rather than Canadian blood. Justin Morgan left several sons, only three 
of which occup}' places of any real importance — Bulrush, Woodbury and 
Sherman. Through Sherman — the best of the three sons of old Morgan 
— we have Vermont Black Hawk, and, passing down the list. General 
Knox, Ethan Allen and Daniel Lambert ; through Bulrush we have the 
Morrills ; and through Woodbury, Hale's Green Mountain Morgan, 
Magna Charta and (probably) Gold Dust. 

From this short summarj' of the horses classed as sources of trotting 
blood, we maj' pass to brief mention of a few of the numerous strains or 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



65 




DICTATOR. 

Brown stallion; foaled 1S63 ; property of H. C. McDowell, Lexington, Ky. 
(Sire of Jay Eye See, 2:10— 2;o6J^.) 



66 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

families now holding more or less of public favor. First, b}' acknowl- 
edged right, are 

The Hambletonia7is : The family takes its name from Rysdj'k's 
Hambletonian, descended on the paternal side from Imp. Messenger, 
through his Thoroughbred son Mambrino (American) and Mambrino's 
son, Abdallah, sire of Hambletonian. The dam of Hambletonian was 
by Bellfounder. Through Hambletonian we have the Volunteers, Ed- 
ward Everetts, Alexander's Abdallahs, Almonts, Messenger-Durocs, 
Happy Mediums, Wilkeses, Dictators, Wood's Hambletonians, Elec- 
tioneers, and many others of acknowledged eminence laying claim to 
the general title of Hambletonian. 

Tht Mambritws, another great family — descended on the paternal 
side from Imp. Messenger — take the name from Mambrino Chief. His 
sire was Mambrino Paymaster, a son of Mambrino, who was also the 
grandsire of Hambletonian. All the Mambrinos, Champions, and many 
others are grouped under this head. 

The Bashaws take their name from Young Bashaw, a son of the 
Imp. Barb, Grand Bashaw. Young Bashaw was the sire of Andrew 
Jackson, who in turn got Long Island Black Hawk ; and through the 
latter we have Green's Bashaw, the Mohawks, and others of note. , 

Closely related to the Bashaws are 

The Clays, who take the family name from Henry Clay, a son of 
Andrew Jackson, above mentioned. From this horse we have the 
numerous strains of Cla3's ; and through his famous grandson, George 
M. Patchen, we have the branch which bears his name. 

The Morgans we have already mentioned as taking the name and 
excellence of old Justin Morgan. Under this head we have the Black 
Hawks (exclusive of Long Island Black Hawk, who was b)' Andrew 
Jackson, with no trace of Morgan blood), Ethan Aliens, Knoxes, Daniel 
Lamberts, Fearnaughts, Morrills, and others. 

Pacing blood is represented chiefly by the Pilots, who take their 
name from Pilot Jr., already noted, and the Blue Bulls, from the cele- 
brated pacer of that name ; with the Royal Georges, Hiatogas, Bald 
Stockings (descended from Tom Hal, lately deceased), Copper Bottoms, 
and others, as seconds of no mean value. Right here we cannot fail to 
notice the peculiar force of pacing blood, especially on the side of the 
dam, when joined with paternal blood of established trotting excellence. 
The mares by Pilot Jr., St. Clair, and other noted pacers, have given us 
the fastest flyers of the age, and no amount of self-confident reference to 
" Thoroughbred grand dams," in the cases of Maud S. and Jay Eye See, 
can now breast the tide of popular favor which the pacing element 
enjoys. Old Blue Bull, a horse of great speed at the pacing gait alone, 
stands now, at the close of the racing season 1892, sixth on the list as a 
sire of trotters ; having to his credit 56 horses with a trotting record of 
2:30 or better. 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



67 




PHALLAS, 2:133^. 
Bay stallion; property of J.I. Case, Racine, Wis. 



68 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

It is now well known and admitted that the trot and the pace are 
interchangeable, and that a horse may be taught to go at either gait. 
The idea of 20 years ago, that pacing blood was of no value in a trotting 
pedigree, has gone, and gone to stay. 

iOME OF THE FASTEST 1 888. 

An examination of the list of fast records brings up matters of 
such interest as to warrant at least notice in these pages. In every 
case, through the list of stallions, mares and geldings, the really fast 
movers have been the result of steady breeding in blood lines to attain 
the desired ends. It is this fact which points conclusively toward the 
inevitable recognition of the claims of the American Trotter to be 
classed as a breed. 

The fastest stallions at close of the racing season 1888, were : Maxey 
Cobb, 2:1334^; Phallas, 2:1334;, and Patron, 2:143^. Maxey Cobb has 
the best record, but it is admitted that Phallas — next by a difference of 
one-half second — is really the better horse, since he met and defeated 
the former in an easy victory. The 2:12,'^/^ of Phallas was, at that time, 
the fastest time ever made by a stallion in a race, and the fastest time 
ever made in a fourth heat by any horse ; and cannot at least be con- 
sidered inferior to the 2:131^ of Maxey Cobb, made in a trial against 
time. 

Phallas (see pedigree in full) is a ba}- son of Dictator, out of Betsy 
Trotwood by Clark Chief. Dictator was by Rysdyk's Hambletonian, 
out of Clara, by Seely's American Star, and was a full brother to Dexter. 

Maxey Cobb, a bay, is by Happy Medium — a trotting-bred trotter, 
standing third on the list as a sire of 2:30 horses ; he by Rysdyk's Ham- 
bletonian, out of the trotting mare Princess, the famous California long- 
distance mare, whose history is so intimately connected with that of 
Flora Temple, through their struggles on the track. Princess was hy a 
grandson of Bishop's Hambletonian — the son of Messenger, supposed 
to be Thoroughbred, and- whose name was at first spelled H-a-m-i-1- 
t-o-n-i-a-n. 

Patron, a bay, is a great grandson of Mambrino Chief, through his 
sire Pancoast. On the other side, he runs again to Mambrino Chief 
family, his dam being by Cuyler out of a mare by Mambrino Patchen. 
When we consider the age of Patron (five years) at the time his record 
of 2:1414^ was made, he may fairly be called the equal of the two pre- 
ceding : indeed, taking the trio together, a horseman could hardly 
choose one without an innate fear that a better judgment would have 
chosen another. 

The fastest mares at close of the racing season 1888, were : Maud S., 
2:08^; Belle Hamlin, 2:13^; Goldsmith Maid, 2:14, and Trinkett, 2:14. 

Maud S., a chestnut, the then queen of the trotting turf by virtue of 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



69 




yo AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

her 2:o8|<;, is by Harold — a son of Rysdyk's Hambletonian, out of a 
mare by Hambletonian's sire Abdallah. The dam of Maud S. is Miss 
Russell, whose sire was the now famous Pilot Jr. Probably no other 
trotter ever enjoyed such high public favor as this famous mare. She 
was foaled in 1874, and is now owned by Robert Bonner, of New York. 

Belle Hamlin, a bay, next on the list, is by Hamlin's Almont, a son of 
Alexander's Abdallah — out of a mare by Vermont Black Hawk. T+ie 
dam of old Almont was by Mambrino Chief. 

Goldsmith Maid and Trinkett, who are tied as to record, each stand- 
ing at 2:14, are distinctly trotting bred. Goldsmith Maid, a bay, was 
sired by Alexander's Abdallah, a son of Rysdyk's Hambletonian, and 
one whose early death was not the least disaster of the late civil war. 
The dam of Goldsmith Maid was a daughter of the original Abdallah, 
by Mambrino by Messenger. 

Trinkett, a bay, was a trotter at an early age, having a record of 
2:ig|^ as a four-year-old, at a time when such a record was considered 
wonderful. Her sire was Princeps, a son of Woodford Mambrino, out 
of a mare by Alexander's Abdallah. The dam of Trinkett was by 
Rysdyk's Hambletonian. 

The fastest geldings at close of racing season 1888, were: Jay Eye 
See, 2:10; St. Julien, 2:11^, and Guy, 2:i2|^. Jay Eye See, a black, 
is by Dictator, out of the mare Midnight, whose sire was Pilot Jr. The 
parentage of Dictator has been already mentioned under the notice of 
Phallas. 

Jay Eye See is one of the most remarkable little horses that ever 
wore harness. On account of an accident which injured his leg, he was 
thrown out of training not long after making his record of 2:10 — for a 
few days the best trotting record of the world — and was not again 
actively trained until the past season, 1892, when it was found that 
the lateral gait seemed to favor his leg trouble, and he was therefore 
trained for pacing. Although now fourteen years old, and for long 
years not able to trot fast because of his injured leg, he improved so 
rapid!}' at the side-wheel gait as to astonish even his friends. During 
the summer meeting at Rush Park, Independence, Iowa, on the 26th 
day of August, 1892, driven b}' his owner, Jackson I. Case, he paced a 
beautifully even mile under official rules for time records, in 2:06'^ — 
making him the fastest double-gaited horse in the world, and demon- 
strating the wonderful strength and speed of the blood which courses 
through his veins. 

St. Julien, a baj', is b}'' Volunteer, a son of Rysdyk's Hambletonian, 
out of Flora, by Sayre's Harry Claj'. Harry Claj' was also the sire of 
the famous brown mare, Green Mountain Maid, whose fame as the dam 
of Electioneer and other noted horses is only exceeded by the universal 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 7I 

regret among breeders of trotting stock at her death, which occurred 
June 6th, 1888. The dam of Harry Clay was by Imp. Bellfounder. 

Guy, a black, third on the list in 1888, is by Kentucky Prince, and 
out of Flora Gardner. His record, placing him third on the list of geld- 
ings, was not made until near the close of the racing season, Septem- 
ber 19, 1888 ; so that prior to that date the third place had been held by 
Rarus, 2:13^, a bay, with blazed face and white hind ankles, sired by 
Conklin's Abdallah, and out of a mare by Telegraph. Guy, although an 
erratic performer, is a horse of great gameness and spirit, and shows 
bursts of speed at a rate far beyond his official record. August i, i88g, at 
Cleveland, Ohio, he again lowered his mark to 2:10^, where it now rests. 

The holders of the records for age in 1888 were : Manzanita, Sable 
Wilkes, Sunol and Norlaine. 

Manzanita, a bay mare, bred at Palo Alto, Cal., the then best four- 
year-old, has a record at that age of 2:16. Her dam is Mayflower, b)' 
the pacer St. Clair, and her sire is Electioneer, the famous son of Green 
Mountain Maid and Hambletonian. (Manzanita was severely injured by 
fire at Palo Alto, April 17th, 1888.) 

Sable Wilkes, a black stallion, the then best three-year-old, has a 
record at that age of 2:18. His dam is Sable, who combines the blood 
of Pilot Jr., Young Copper Bottom, Hambletonian and Mambrino Chief. 
His sire is Guy Wilkes, a grandson of Hambletonian, and tracing on 
the maternal side to Mambrino Chief and Seely's American Star. 

Sunol, the best two-year-old to close of 1888, has a record at that 
age of 2:18. It was late in the season when Sunol made the record 
which placed her first among two-year-olds. Earlier in the season this 
honor had been gracefully borne by Wildflower, 2:21, a bay mare by 
Electioneer, out of Mayflower; but on October 19, 1888, at the Bay 
District Track, San Francisco, Sunol passed the Wildflower mark and 
established the slightly better one of 2:20^. Eight days later (Oct. 27, 
1888), at the same place, she reduced her own record to 2:18, exactly 
equaling the three-year-old record of Sable Wilkes, above noted. 

Sunol is a bay mare, foaled in 1886, got by Electioneer out of 
Waxana. Waxana, a chestnut, is by General Benton, out of the Thor- 
oughbred mare Waxy, whose breeding has been the subject of so much, 
and so ill-natured, criticism. Mr. Bonner, the owner of Sunol, writes 
under date December 5, i8gi: 

M * X * Sunol's second dam is by Lexington [Thoroughbred] ; that has been 
established beyond the shadow of a doubt. * * * " 

Sunol's career has been a series of triumphs, holding in succession 
the two-year-old, three-year-old, four-year-old, five-year-old and aged 
trotting records of the world ; being the first to lower the long-time 
standard, 2:08^, of Maud S. , and establish the newer world's record, 
2:08^, as a five-year-old in 1S91. Her career the past season (1892) 



72 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



has disappointed her admirers to some extent, as she has done practi- 
cally nothing but jog, her best mile rating a little slower than 2:11 ; but 
she is said to be in good condition, and some fast work may reasonably 
be expected in 1893. 

Norlaine, a brown filly, the then best j'earling, whose record of 
2:31^ at that age astonished the world, was by Norval, a son of Elec- 
tioneer, out of Elaine, the famous trotting daughter of Messenger- 
Duroc and Green Mountain Maid. (Norlaine was fatally injured by fire 
at Palo Alto, April 17th, 1888, and died on Thursday, April 19th, 
following.) 

All of the young Champions of 1888 were from California; three of 
them trace in direct descent to Electioneer — the greatest sire of trotters 
the world has yet known — and all are from mares speedy both in blood 
and performance. Another point of interest in these cases, is found in 
the element of pacing blood, which has so kindly mingled with that of 
high performing trotters in their royal ancestry. 

We have thought best to insert the above outline statement of rec- 
ords to close of 1888 — when first edition of this work was written — that 
the student, and the general reader as well, may form some idea of the 
wonderful progress made in speed development during recent years. A 
comparison with the following list of present champions may be of 
interest : 

SOME OF THE FASTEST 1892. 

The fastest stallions at the close of the racing season 1892 are: Stam- 
boul, 2:07 J^ ; Kremlin, 2:07^ 5 P^lo Alto, 2:o83^, and Allerton, 2:09^. 

Stamboul, a brown ba}', is by Sultan, 2 124, out of Fleetwing — a daugh- 
ter of Hambletonian 10. He was foaled in 1883, and was recently sold 
at auction to Mr. E. H. Harriman, of New York, for ^41,000. There has 
been started an attempt to overthrow the honestly made 2:07^4 on tech- 
nical grounds — a few claiming that the start (Stockton, California, kite 
track, November 23, 1892) was made a few minutes prior to 10 o'clock, a. 
M., which is contrary to the rules of the Register Association. Whether 
technically barred as a "record" or not, the distance was never more 
honestly covered, and we shall most emphatically place his name at the 
head of the stallion list by virtue of the time officially reported. Stam- 
boul' s blood lines are those of the trotting-bred trotter, there being no 
running blood closer than the fifth generation. 

Kremlin, a bay, foaled 1887, is b)' Lord Russell — a full brother to 
Maud S. — out of Eventide, a triple speed-producing grand-daughter of 
Hambletonian 10. His record of 2:07^ was made on the regulation 
track at Nashville, Tenn., November 12, 1892, and no shadow of tech- 
nical error has been charged against it. He is owned by W. R. Allen, 
of Allen Farm, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. 

Kremlin and Stamboul have had a veritable game of see-saw for the 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 73 

stallion championship. Stamboul on the kite track at Stockton, Cal., 
Kremlin on the regulation track at Nashville, Tenn. , the former driven 
by Walter Maben, the latter by Ed. Bither, each hooked to a bicycle sulky 
with pneumatic tires, began their struggles early in the fall, when Stamboul 
wrested the crown from Palo Alto by trotting in 2:08}^. Almost imme- 
diately after, Kremlin placed it at 2:081^ and a few days later Stamboul 
again reduced it to 2:08 flat. Saturday, November 12th, Kremlin again 
took the crown with his present record, 2:07^^^, only to lose it again to 
Stamboul on Wednesday, November 23rd, when the present stallion 
record, 2:07}^, was made. 

Palo Alto, a bay, bred by Senator Stanford, and worthily carrying 
the name of the Senator's famous breeding farm, was got by Electioneer 
out of a strictly Thoroughbred mare — Dame Winnie. Dame Winnie, 
now dead, has the distinction of being the only strictly Thoroughbred 
mare that has produced three trotters in the 2:30 list — one of the three 
being better than 2:10. She was sired by Planet, out of a mare by im- 
ported Glencoe. Palo Alto was the one brilliant example of the " Thor- 
oughbred-blood-in-the-trotter" advocates, and nobly did the game old 
horse support their theories. He was foaled February 15, 1882, and died 
July 21, 1892, of pneumonia from the effects of a cold contracted in ship- 
ment east. On Tuesday, November 17, 1891, Palo Alto wrested the 
stallion championship from Allerton, 2:09^^, by trotting a mile to an 
old-style sulky in spite of lameness in 2:o8J4^, equaling the ex-world's 
record of Maud S, and carrying the stallion crown safely into winter 
quarters. 

Allerton, a bright brown bay, with white spots on front coronets and 
white hind ankles, was foaled in 1886, bred, and is still owned by C. W. 
Williams, Independence, Iowa. Allerton is by Jay Bird, out of Gussie 
Wilkes. Jay Bird is a son of George Wilkes, and Gussie Wilkes is out 
of Dora Wilkes, a daughter of George Wilkes. Mambrino Boy, the sire 
of Gussie Wilkes, is a grandson of Mambrino Chief, and Lady Frank, 
the dam of Jay Bird, is a granddaughter of Mambrino Chief. George 
Wilkes is by Hambletonian 10, and both Hambletonian and Mambrino 
Chief are grandsons of Mambrino (American), a son of imported Messen- 
ger. The blood which Allerton boasts carries with it speed and bottom, 
yet even this is second to his splendid individuality. Win or lose, that 
element of tenacity, which has earned for him the title of the "bull-dog 
trotter," never leaves him, and his warmest admirers are those who have 
witnessed his very few defeats. His record of 2:0914^ was made on Sat- 
urday, September 19, 1891, on the kite-shaped track at Rush Park, In- 
dependence, la., and the crown was held until lost to Palo Alto on the 
17th of November following. As a three-year-old his performances, 
while overshadowed in the popular mind by the wonderful speed of his 
stable companion and close relative, Axtell, were, in the minds of close 



74 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

observers, nothing short of wonderful, and in some respects showed 
marked superiority to the son of Lou and WilHam L. 

C. W. WiUiams, who bred, owned and drove to fastest records both 
Axtell and Allerton, says in Rush Park catalogue for 1890 : 

" I was proud of Axtell on the day that he carried me a mile in 2:12 at Terre Haute, 
but I am free to confess that I felt a keener thrill of admiration for the young race horse 
Allerton when he landed a winner of the Brewster stakes at the Northwestern Breeders' 
Meeting, after having fought out two races of eight heats within four days, both against 
large fields of aged and seasoned campaigners, either one a better race than has ever been 
trotted by a three-year-old, and the last quarter of the last mile done at a 2:12 gait in a 
head-and-head contest with other horses. Axtell lowered the three-year-old record that 
afternoon, but the cheers which greeted his performance were feeble and tame beside the 
^torm of applause that followed the suspense of the fight to the wire between Bassenger 
Boy and Allerton. When the great colt flashed past the post in that heat with Bassenger 
at his saddle, still trying to win, I think he placed to his credit the gamest and greatest, if 
not the most brilliant, record ever made by a three-year-old. And this opinion I find is 
shared by many breeders, particularly in Kentucky, where a popular horse must be a race 
horse as well as a trotter. The men who still love to talk of old Dexter and Director are 
'he ones who fancy Allerton." 

Allerton's best record of 2:093^ was obtained as a five-year-old, 
hooked to an old-style sulky and against time, but after a brilliant racing 
campaign, in which he met and defeated the handsome bay stallion Nel- 
son, 2:10, and Delmarch, 2:11}^, and was himself defeated by the present 
queen of the trotting world — Nancy Hanks, 2:04. 

Nelson, by the way, has been peculiarly unfortunate in having to suf- 
fer expulsion from the American Association tracks through the machi- 
nations of his owner, whose name he bears. By formal action of the 
Board he has lately been reinstated, and we should like to see him placed 
in the hands of some such man as Doble, Marvin or Splan for the cam- 
paign of 1893, The breeding of Nelson is peculiarly strong — his sire, 
Young Rolfe, tracing back to the famous old white-faced, white-legged 
pacing mare Pocahontas, 2:17)/^, and his dam Gretchen — a granddaugh- 
ter of old Hambletonian — being out of the Morgan mare Kate, whose 
sire was the famous Morgan representative, Vermont Blackhawk. If 
Nelson does not reduce his record in 1893 it will be through no fault of 
his breeding or his individuality. 

The stallion crown has had a numerous succession in the last few 
years. Allerton took the championship from Nelson, who had held it 
prior to September 4, 1891, with his record of 2:ioJ^, made October 21, 
iSgo, and who had in turn received it from Axtell, whose record of 2:12 
was made as a three-year-old earlier in the same year. Axtell received 
the crown from Maxey Cobb, 2:131^, who was first b)' record at the 
close of 1888. Axtell, a dark bay, was bred by C. W. Williams, of 
Independence, Iowa, who also drove him to his wonderful three-3''ear-old 
record. His sire is William L., a son of George Wilkes, and his dam 
is Lou by Mambrino Boy — a grandson of Mambrino Chief. The contest 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



75 



ii 



en 



S o 




■jb AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

between Axtell and Sunol for the three-year-old championship in 1889 
is still fresh in the minds of horsemen ; and, although at length beaten 
as to record by the fleety daughter of Electioneer, the sturdy son of 
William L. was sold to Col. John W. Conle)', W. P. Ijams and others, 
for §105,000 net cash — a sum he has much more than paid back tn his 
three 3'ears' stud service at a fee of $1,000. 

The fastest mares at the close of the racing season 1892, are: 
Nancy Hanks, 2:04; Martha Wilkes, 2:08; Sunol, 2:0814^; Maud S., 
2:08^, and Belle Vara, 2:08^. 

Nancy Hanks, the reigning queen, is a beautifully built bright bay 
mare, owned by J. Malcolm Forbes, Boston, Mass., and was foaled in 
1886. Her sire (see pedigree in full) is Happy Medium — a son of Ham- 
bletonian — and her dam is Nancy Lee, by Dictator — also a son of Ham- 
bletonian. Her record at the close of 1891 was 2:09, but in 1892 it was 
rapidly lowered at least a half dozen times until Wednesday, September 
29th, when she made her present mark, 2:04, on the regulation track at 
Terre Haute, Indiana, hooked to a bicycle sulky, and driven by Doble. 
The gait of Nancj^ Hanks when going at full speed is about as near the 
perfection of trotting motion as the writer ever expects to see. There 
is absolutely no friction, and almost no body motion ; indeed, when at 
full speed she would prove as comfortable a saddler as any of the modern 
"single-footers" that delight the rider's heart. She is still in the hands 
of Mr. Doble, who has driven her to all her fast records, and maj' very 
possibl}' lower her present mark the coming season. 

We present her portrait through the courtesy of the American Trot- 
ter, Independence, Iowa. 

Martha Wilkes (foaled 1883), a large, rangy, rather coarse-looking 
bay mare, is by Alcyone, a son of George Wilkes, and out of Ella by 
Clark Chief. Her record of 2:08 was made with a bicycle sulky, on 
Thursday, September i, 1892, at Independence, Iowa. It is possible 
that on account of a technicality this record will not be allowed by the 
Register Association, in which event her best technical "record" will 
be the mark 2:08^ made at Evansville, Indiana, in the second heat of 
a race, September 29th, following. She was bred by Mrs. Carrie M. 
Marders, Pine Grove, Kentuck}', who sold the mare to Mr. E. D. Wiggin, 
of Boston, her present owner. In the opinion of some, Martha Wilkes 
is a dangerous rival to Nancy Hanks, but we cannot concur in such 
opinion. That she is both game and fast there can be no question, but 
on neither count does she equal the present queen. 

Sunol, third on the list by virtue of her 2:08^ (Stockton, California, 
kite, November 20, 1891, old-style sulky), we have already mentioned 
in detail. She is in the hands of Charles Marvin, and if no further 
misfortune occurs we expect to see her reduce her record in 1893. 
Whether she may reach the record set by Nancy Hanks is a question to 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 77 

be settled by trial ; she undoubtedly is capable of trotting in very fast 
time, and we hope to see her fulfill Mr. Bonner's expectations during 
the coming season. 

Maud S. and Belle Vara are tied as to record, 2:08^, for fourth 
place. Of the former we need say little. The chestnut daughter of 
Harold and Miss Russell is now in her nineteenth year, and, although 
possible, it is hardly probable that she will ever again trot to as low a 
record as her own 2:08^, made with an old-style sulky, Jul}' 30, 1885, 
and so many years untouched as the fastest trotting record of the world 
Maud S. has been a queen indeed ; and, while we doff our hat to Sunol, 
Martha Wilkes and Nancy Hanks, we cannot fail to record our loving 
admiration for the great mare whose name is yet a household word 
throughout her native land. 

Belle Vara (foaled 1887) is a black mare by Vatican, out of Nell by 
Estille's Eric — a son of Ericsson. Her 2:08^4! was made September 30, 
1892, in the first heat of a race against Walter E. and three other horses, 
at Terra Haute, Indiana. Although Belle Vara had the advantage of 
Maud S. in being hooked to a bicycle sulky, the fact that her record was 
made in a neck and neck race with other horses should place her on a 
fairly equal footing as to actual merit with the ex-queen, whose 2:08^ 
was made against time. Vatican is by Belmont, out of Vara, by Rys- 
dyk's Hambletonian — a statement which explains sufficiently well the 
wonderful speed of Vatican's daughter. Belle Vara. 

The fastest geldings at the close of racing season 1892, are : Jay 
Eye See, 2:10; Lord Clinton and Little Albert, each 2:io}( ; Guy, 
2:10^, and St. Julien, 2:11^. 

Jay Eye See was first on the gelding list in 1888, and no gelding 
has yet supplanted him. His breeding, description, and wonderful 
pacing record of 2:0614^ made this season, have already been given. 

Lord Clinton and Little Albert, tied for second place at 2:10^4^, are 
both newcomers, and as their records show, are phenomenally fast. 
Lord Clinton is a handsome, mouse-black gelding, carrying a large per 
cent, of Morgan blood — his sire being Denning's Allen, he by Honest 
Allen — a son of Ethan Allen. Clinton's dam is a speedy-looking little 
running mare of unknown breeding, but supposably bearing Thorough- 
bred blood. His record of 2:10^ was made with a bicycle sulky at 
Independence, Iowa, September i, 1892, and was one of the most re- 
markable performances it has ever been the writer's good fortune to 
witness. His main competitors in the race were Lobasco — a bay stallion 
driven by McHenry — and Little Albert, who were made even favorites 
in the pools. Little Albert was really believed to be the better horse, 
but the fact that the stallion was to be driven by McHenry brought him 
up to even money with the chestnut gelding. Clinton was practically 
overlooked by the "talent," and his backers secured long odds and 



78 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

made heavy winnings. In the first heat Clinton finished third, Lobasco 
and Little Albert fighting neck and neck from start to finish. The 
judges gave the heat to Lobasco in 2:113^, but the blaze face of Little 
Albert was plainly a few inches in front of Lobasco's nose, as was after- 
wards proved by the instantaneous photograph of the finish. In the 
second heat, Raybould held Clinton well back until the turn into the 
stretch, when he set sail for the leaders. McHenry, behind Lobasco, 
and Kelly with Little Albert, were busily watching each other, and hardly 
realized the danger that threatened until Clinton was fully abreast and 
going at a 2:08 clip. Lobasco could not carry the speed, and Clinton 
won by a length from Little Albert, who gamely drove the winner out 
in 2:1034^. After this heat Little Albert was never better than third. 

In the scoring for the third heat, McHenry, who had laid up the 
stallion after his break at the stretch in the second heat, looked smil- 
ingly confident and determined to win. Lobasco was still the favorite ; 
but the speed which Clinton had shown in the stretch, and the really 
easy manner in which he stepped away from Little Albert, after passing 
the distance, found him plenty of buyers, and the mutuals showed 
nearly even betting when the word was given. McHenry drove like a 
demon, and to his credit be it said, Lobasco never made a gamer fight 
against greater odds. Clinton kept the pole in spite of McHenry' s driv- 
ing, and down the stretch the two came neck and neck. The stallion 
was trotting a magnificent race, and his friends were never more confi- 
dent of success. But the scene soon changed : Lobasco had done his 
best ; Clinton had plenty to spare, and in the last fifty yards stepped 
easily away from the stallion, winning by an open length in 2:11 flat. 
The concluding heat was won by Clinton in slow time, Lobasco winning 
place from Little Albert. 

Little Albert is a light chestnut gelding with blaze face, campaigned 
by Mr. Saulisbury, of Pleasanton, California. His sire is Albert W., a 
son of Electioneer, and his dam is a daughter of Roach's American 
Star. His record of 2:10^ was made with a bicycle sulky, September 
22, 1892, at Columbus, Indiana, in the third heat of a five heat race, 
which he won. 

Guy, third on the list by record, we have already mentioned. 
His record of 2:10^ was made with an old-st}de sulky, at Cleveland, 
Ohio, August I, I88g. 

St. Julien, who was second on the list in 1888, has fallen back to 
fourth place, and his record, 2:111^, has been beaten by so many trot- 
ters as to seem comparatively slow. 

The present holders of the mile records for age are : One-3'ear-old, 
Frou Frou, 2:25^4; ; two-year-old, Arion, 2:10^ ; three-year-old, Sunol, 
2:10^, and Arion, 2;io}4; four-year-old, Moquette, 2:10; five-year-old, 
Kremlin, 2:073^. 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 79 

Frou Frou, the best yearling, is a baj' filly foaled 1890, got by Sid- 
ney, a trotting bred pacer, out of Flirt by Buccaneer. Her record of 
2:25^ was made on the Stockton, California, kite, November 28, 1891. 
She was hooked to an old-style sulky, and driven by Millard Saunders. 

It will be remembered that in 1888 the yearling record was held by 
Norlaine, 2:31^. Since that time Norlaine's mantle has successively 
fallen on Freedom, a bay colt by Sable Wilkes, who made a yearling 
record of 2:29^, October 18, 1890; Bell Bird, a brown filly by Elec- 
tioneer, who made a yearling record of 2:26^^, October 21, 1891 ; and 
on Frou Frou, where it now so gracefully rests. 

Arion, the best two-year-old, is a bay colt, foaled 1889, got by Elec- 
tioneer out of Manette by Nutwood. His record of 2:10^ was made 
on the Stockton kite, November 10, 1891. He was driven by Charles 
Marvin to an old-style sulky, and the performance may be justly con- 
sidered the most remarkable record for age ever made. Arion was bred 
by Senator Stanford, at Palo Alto, California, and by him sold to Mr. 
Forbes, of Boston, Massachusetts, at the reported figure $125,000. The 
2:10^ of Arion, by the way, is the seventh fastest stallion record of the 
world, an honor which he divides with Lobasco, who made an equal 
record during the fall of 1892. In his three-year-old form, Arion, at 
Nashville, Tennessee, November 12, 1892, reduced his two-year-old 
record to 2:ioj4 — equaling the three-year-old record of Sunol, and plac- 
ing him sixth on the stallion list — but there are so many good ones in 
the field that it would be pure conjecture to attempt to name the winn- 
ing four-year-old of 1893. 

Sunol, in her three-year-old form, easily reduced the three-year-old 
record of Sable Wilkes, by trotting the regulation track at San F'ran- 
cisco, California, on November g, 1889, in 2:io}4. She pulled an old- 
style sulky, with Marvin up. The fight between Sunol and Axtell for 
the three-year-old championship in 1889 is a notable companion piece 
to the struggles of Stamboul and Kremlin this year for the stallion 
crown. Axtell began the fight August 25, 1889, when he trotted in 
2:14 at Chicago, Illinois. Sunol followed October 2, by trotting in 
2:133^, at Fresno, California. On October 11, 1889, Williams drove 
Axtell to his present record, 2:12, at Terre Haute, Indiana; and the 
loAva colt was thought to be secure in his well earned laurels. His vic- 
tor}', however, was short lived, as Marvin was able to drive the Cali- 
fornia filly a mile in 2:10^, at San Francisco, November 9th, following, 
and leave her in possession of the three-year-old record, which she 
still holds, but jointly with Arion since November 12, 1892. 

Moquette, the best four-year-old, is a bay horse, foaled in 1888, got 
by Wilton, 2:19^, out of Betsy and I, by Ericsson. His record of 2:10 
was made on the regulation track at Richmond, Ind., September 16, 
1892. He was hooked to a bicycle sulky, and driven by Mike Bowerman. 



8o AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

At the close of 1888, the four-year-old record was held by Manzanita, 
2:16. The year following (i88g) her record was equaled by Edgemark, 
and on August 23, i8go, it was reduced by Sunol, who trotted at Wash- 
ington Park, Chicago, in 2:io}4, and carried the four-year-old record for 
over two years, until lost to the stallion Moquette. 

Kremlin, the best five-year-old, we have mentioned as second on the 
stallion list. His record was made to a bicycle sulky, with Either up, 
on the regulation track at Nashville, Tenn. Prior to this, the five-year- 
old record had been held by Sunol, at 2:0834', made before an old-style 
sulky, and driven b}' Marvin, on the Stockton kite, November 20, i8gi. 

The advance in speed since 1888, and especially since iSgi, has been 
phenomenal, and marks the rapid evolution of the forces joined to push 
the interests of the trotting horse. . Track improvement was the first 
step — closely followed by the advent of the modern bicycle sulk}-, with 
ball bearings and pneumatic tires. Beyond all queston the bic)'cle sulky 
cuts from 2 or 3 to 6 or 8 seconds from a horse's record made with old- 
style sulky, and this fact must be borne in mind when records are com- 
pared. With the old-stjde sulky it was conceded by all horsemen that 
the kite-shaped track was faster than the regulation track b)^ from i to 3 
seconds, but since the bic3'cle sulky has come into general use the rec- 
ords have apparently suffered more on ovals than on kites. 

What the outcome of the present record reduction may be, we shall 
not attempt to predict. Man}' think the mile in two minutes a proba- 
bility of the coming season, but it must be remembered that the drop of 
four seconds from the present fastest record, 2:04, to the supposable 2:00 
flat, means a wonderful increase in the rate at which the horse must travel. 
Sixty yards in a race is a long distance between first and second horses, 
yet this is what four seconds, at the rate of speed supposed, would cover. 
It is certainly possible, but the horse that accomplishes the result must 
be favored in everything — including driver, sulky, track and weather. 

As a fitting recognition of the value of pacing blood in the Ameri- 
can trotting horse, we give the following list of pacers that have made 
2:10 or better : 

Mascot, 2:04; Hal Pointer, 2:04^/2; Direct, 2:051-3; Flying Jib, 
2:03^; Johnston, 2:0654^; Jay Eye See, 2:06^; Guy, 2:063^; W. Wood, 
2:07; Vinette, 2:07^4;; Roy Wilkes, 2:07^; Silkwood, 2:08^; Blue Sign, 
2:0834;; Robert J., Manager and Winslow Wilkes, each, 2:og^; Cricket, 
2:10. 

When it is remembered that only one horse (Johnston, 2:0614^) had 
a record better than 2:10 in 1888, we can understand how great has been 
the progress in pacing speed development. Mascot' s 2 :o4 — exactly equal- 
ing the world's trotting record of Nancy Hanks — was made to a bicycle 
sulky, on the regulation track at Terre Haute, Ind. , in the first heat of the 
fastest and most remarkable pacing race on record, September 2g, i8g2. 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



8i 



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82 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

Concerning this race, the American Trotter, Independence, la., issue 
of October 6, 1892, has this to say : 

" For the second time in history the 2:05 mark has been beaten in harness, the pacer 
Mascot putting in a heat at Terre Haute last week in the same notch that Nancy Hanks 
touched when she trotted in 2:04. As the gelding did this in a race, starting from the 
outside, the performance surpasses that of the Kentucky' mare in point of merit, and one 
of the quarters was a trifle faster, when Mascot stepped from the half to the third of the 
gold-tipped posts in 29 ',2 seconds. The effort told on him so much that he did not get an- 
other heat of the f ree. for-all pace, and Flying Jib, who carried the new champion along, was 
also defeated for the same reason. The pair went lapped to the quarter in 32 '4 seconds, 
and were at the half in i ;o3|4 , where Mascot drew away a little. The Californian closed 
from there, and the clip became terrific. The three-quarters were covered in 1:33, or a 
1:58 clip, and Flying Jib was at Mascot's shoulder when he finished in 2:04. The second 
heat was also sensational, but rated differently. Flying Jib carrying Mascot to the quarter 
in yifi seconds, and the half in i ■.ao% . To come up the hill at a two-minute gait tired 
the pair, but Jib had enough speed left to out-finish the other gelding in 2:055.^. Mean- 
while McHenry had been laying Guy up to the flag, and cutting him loose in the third heat 
had the faster pair at his mercy. Flying Jib made the gray stallion pace the third heat in 
2:06^4, and the fourth in 2:08^4'. Mascot then tried to redeem himself, and was closing 
on Guy in the last quarter of the fifth heat, when he rushed to the pole, so that Andrews 
could not pull him out in time to overhaul the leader. Guy was under the whip, but came 
home resolutely in 2:08)4!, making five heats that paralyzed all previous averages in a race, 
the rate being 2:o6jJ. There is little doubt if the judges had forced McHenry to drive 
for every heat, he would have been unable to win the race." 

Mascot, whose pedigree we give in full on another page, is a baj-, 
foaled in 1885, and is now owned by W. P. Taylor, Buffalo, N. Y. We 
present his portrait through the courtesy of Breeder's Gazette, Chicago 
Illinois. 

For the benefit of those who wish to know the leading blood lines 
in the stud, we give the following list of sires in order of merit at the 
close of 1892, kindl}' prepared at our request by Mr. S. S. Toman, the 
genial editor of the American Trotter, Independence, Iowa: 

NUMBER IN 2:30 LIST. 
SIRE. rr ., 

1 rotters. Facers. 
ist. Electioneer 131 i 

2nd, Nutwood 82 12 

3rd, Happy Medium 80 4 

4th, Red Wilkes 69 14 

5th, Geo. Wilkes 71 7 

6th, Onward 53 n 

7th, Blue Bull 56 5 

Before leaving this chapter it may be well to explain what is meant 
by the term "Standard Bred," as applied to trotting stock, and this we 
do by inserting in full 

THE STAXD..\RD OF REGISTRATION, 

as revised and adopted by the American Trotting Register Association, 
May 19, 1891: 

' ' In order to define what constitutes a standard-bred horse, and to establish a breed 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 83 

of trotters and pacers on a more intelligent basis, the following rules are adopted to con- 
trol admission to the records of pedigrees. When an animal meets the requirements of 
admission and is duly registered, it shall be accepted as a standard-bred animal : 

"First. Any trotting stallion that has a record of two minutes and thirty seconds 
(2:30), or pacing stallion that has a record of two minutes and twenty-five seconds (2:25) 
or better, provided any of his get has a record of 2:35 trotting, or 2:30 pacing, or better, 
or provided his sire or dam is already a standard animal. 

"Second. Any mare or gelding that has a trotting record of 2 -.30, or pacing record 
of 2:25, or better. 

"Third. Any horse that is the sire of two trotters with records of 2:30, or two pacers 
with records of 2 -.25, or one trotter with a record of 2:30, and one pacer with a record of 
2:25, or better. 

"Fourth. Any horse that is the sire of one trotter with a record of 2:30, or one 
pacer with a record of 2:25, or better, providing he has either of the following additional 
qualifications: 1. A trotting record of 2:35 or a pacing record of 2:30, or better. 2. Is 
the sire of two other animals with trotting records of 2:35, or pacing records of 2:30, or 
one trotter with a record of 2:35, ^nd one pacer with a record of 2:30, or better. 3 Has 
a sire or dam that is already a standard animal. 

"Fifth. Any mare that has produced a trotter with a record of 2:30, or pacer with a 
record of 2:25, or better. 

"Sixth. The progeny of a standard horse when out of a standard mare. 

" Seventh. The female progeny of a standard horse when out of a mare by a stand- 
ard horse. 

' 'Eighth. The female progeny of a standard horse when out of a mare whose dam is 
a standard mare. 

"Ninth. Any mare that has a trotting record of 2:33, or a pacing record of 2:30, or 
better, whose sire or dam is a standard animal." 



84 



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Chapter XV. 



ORLOFF TROTTERS. 

The Orloff family of trotting horses derives its name from the Rus- 
sian Count Alexis Orloff Tschismensky, an enthusiastic lover of horses, 
who is credited with producing the breed. 

In 1775, he imported the gray Arabian stallion, Smetanxa — a horse 
of unusual size and power. This horse was used on a Danish mare, the 
produce being a stallion known as Polkan First, who in turn produced 
from a Dutch mare the horse Bars First — commonly regarded as the 
progenitor of the breed. Lubezne}^ First, Lebed First and Dobroy First, 
three sons of Bars First, have given character to the blood of their sire, 
and helped to fix the trotting instinct. The count selected his stallions 
invariabl)' from the foundation stock just noted, but resorted to the bet- 
ter class of English and Dutch mares whenever practicable. 

The Orloff, like the American Trotter, is a made-up animal, but he 
shows neither the speed at short distance, nor the endurance on a long 
stretch, which characterizes so many of our American Trotters. A few 
have been brought to America, but they are by no means generall}' 
known. 

The prevailing color is gray, but blacks are common and baj's are 
frequently found. Possibly the Orloff may at some future time be used 
to relieve the inbred condition into which certain families of our Ameri- 
can Trotters are in danger of falling ; but as it stands now, the American 
is so far superior to the Russian Trotter that our own breeders of trotting 
stock have ever)? reason to be well satisfied with the magnificent results 
already reached, and should feel encouraged to put forth still greater 
energies in the future. 



Chapter XVI. 



SHETLAND PONIES. 

They are, as the name indicates, natives of the Shetland Islands, 
north of Scotland. As to their origin, one thing may be stated without 
fear of contradiction, and that is: No trace of racing (Thoroughbred) 
blood has ever found its way into their breeding. 

Their resemblance to the ponies of Scandinavia, and the further fact 

90 



SHETLAND PONIES. 



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g2 SHETLAND PONIES. 

that the Islands were first taken possession of by Scandinavian plunder- 
ers, and for a long time (until the Fifteenth Century) remained attached 
to the crown of Norway, furnish good evidence that the Shetland Ponies 
are of Norwegian derivation. Tradition, however, has it, that some of 
the horses carried by the great Spanish Armada — many vessels of which 
were wrecked off the rugged Scotland coast — escaped to the Islands, and 
have since left their impress upon the native pony stock; the tradition 
has the color of probability, more than this cannot be definitely stated. 
Whatever their origin or subsequent mixture with other breeds, the Shet- 
lands show in appearance and character the well-known influence of se- 
vere climate and scanty food. They are extremely hardy, very small — 
standing about 8 to ii hands high; shaggy coated, with bushy mane 
and tail; always round and smooth in the barrel; with short, fine legs 
and round, handsome feet. All colors are found, but brown, black and 
spotted — black and white or brown and white, are most common. 

The American Shetland Pony Club has been recently organized, and 
a Stud Book started. Animals are admitted to registration under the 
following rules, sent in by Mortimer Levering, LaFayette, Ind., the pres- 
ent secretar)': 

" Shetland Ponies 46 inches or less in height will be admitted as follows : 

"i. Shetland Pony by sire and out of dam both recorded in the Shetland Pony 
Club Stud Book. 

" 2. Shetland Pony having four top crosses, in each case by imported sire, or by sire 
recorded in the Shetland Pony Club Stud Book. 

" 3. Shetland Pony examined and approved by the examining committee, as provided 
by rule 6 of Additional Rules Governing Entries." 

The Shetlands are the safest and most popular ponies for children's 
use, and large numbers of them are, and have been, annuall}' brought to 
the United States for this purpose. They are remarkably intelligent, 
and can be readil)' trained. Their hardiness and muscular endurance 
have always been marked ; but they have little or no practical value out- 
side of that already mentioned. When bred in America, the superior 
food and attention given causes a considerable increase in size ; and — 
since the smallest ponies are in greatest demand — this fact has led 
to the practice, quite common at the present time, of importing as wanted 
for sale, direct from the Islands. 

The illustration — engraved after a sketch from life, expressly for 
our use — is an accurate representation of the breed. 



Chapter XVII. 



WELSH PONIES. 

Of late years quite a number of these beautiful little fellows have 
found their way to the United States ; and, like the Shetlands, are in 
great demand for children's use. Of their origin Low says: 

' ' The mountains of Wales in like manner give birth to a race of small horses 
adapted to an elevated country of scanty herbage, * * * which must be supposed 
to be pure with respect to their descent from the pristine race." 

The typical Welsh Pony stands about 13 hands high, has a small 
head, high withers, smooth, rounded, close coupled body, with neat, 
flat legs and sound feet. Color varies; bays and browns, especially the 
lighter shades, are common, and blacks and other colors are frequently 
found. 



Chapter XVIII. 



EXMOOR PONIES. 

This breed — a few of which have been imported to the United 
States — has its origin in the Exmoor Forest region, lying partly in 
Devonshire and partly in Somersetshire, England. They are doubtless 
descended from the same original stock as the Welsh breed, but differ 
considerably from the latter at the present time. 

They are shaggy, long haired, stand about 12 or 13 hands high, 
and, although not so smooth and attractive in appearance as the Welsh, 
are said to be remarkably hardy. Bays, browns and blacks are the 
most common colors. 



93 



Chapter XIX. 



MEXICAN PONIES. 

{Mustangs. ) 

Since the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards (1519-22) a. race of 
so-called Mexican horses has been established, differing from their 
Spanish ancestry only in those things naturally affected by the semi- 
wild state in which they have existed, and the consequent lack of arti- 
ficial care and attention. From Mexico they scattered gradually north- 
ward until the entire Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico and 
Arizona, was supplied with a native or wild horse stock, from the same 
original source. Doubtless, also, the Mexican breed has contributed 
largel}' to form the pony breeds of the more northern Indian tribes. 
Discussion of this point will come more properly, however, under the 
next heading, which see. 

In Texas the Mexican Ponies have been commonly called "Mus- 
tangs," and it is by this name that they have become notorious as the 
most ill-tempered, unmanageable, but, withal, most wiry, tough and 
enduring specimens of the equine race to be found. 

In height they stand about 12 to 13 or 14 hands, weighing from 
600 to 800 pounds ; all colors are found, but the colors which might 
perhaps be called characteristic of the breed are yellow clay, smoky dun 
and mouse, with usually a darker stripe along the middle of the back. 
The various shades of roan are quite common ; white or pink roans 
nearly always showing a skin of the same color at the nose and on inside 
of thighs; and spotted ponies — <' paints" — are frequently found. 

The prominent characteristic of the Mexican Mustang lies in his 
wonderful powers of endurance. He will carry a heavy man on his back, 
and make a distance each day, for a month or six weeks' journey, tha 
would tax the powers of the best Kentucky Thoroughbred. As to their 
viciousness or ill-temper, about which so much has been written, we 
think it entirely overdrawn. Mustang colts, taken up when two years 
old, and handled in the same manner that eastern horsemen handle 
colts of higher market value, will show a disposition entirel}^ different 
from the wild, vicious temper commonly imputed to them. Indeed, the 
reverse is also true, since it is a well-known fact that among "Ameri- 
can " horses — as the larger improved horses brought from the east are 
called — or their descendants on the range are found the worst speci- 

94 



MEXICAN PONIES CmUSTANGS.) 



95 




g6 MUSTANGS INDIAN PONIES. 

mens of the "bucking" or "pitching" type. While the tendency of 
running wild is always toward wildness, if not viciousness, yet we 
believe the notorious Mustang disposition is largely a product of very 
poor methods of breaking and handling. 

Before leaving this subject, it may be of interest to note a remark- 
able case of prolonged gestation, reported by Mr. Z. T. Moore, of 
Traer, la., in the Breeder's Gazette of Chicago. The mare is said to be 
a Mustang; in 1887 she carried her foal 377 days, and in 1888 her foal 
was retained 389 days — foals in both instances doing well. The average 
period of gestation for mares under domestication rarely exceeds 350 to 
360 days ; but it is commonly observed that mares of any breed, as a 
rule, carry their foals longer when allowed to breed and range in pasture 
without care or restraint, than when kept up and favored with extra care 
and attention. We have no doubt that, if statistics could be as care- 
fully kept of the service and birth dates among semi-wild horses as is 
done among careful breeders of improved stock, we should find a 
marked difference in the average length of gestation. 

The illustration was engraved expressly for our use, from a photo- 
graph taken at Laredo, Texas, and is a fair representation of the 
modern Mexican Pony. Mr. E. H. Sauvignet, of Laredo, has our 
thanks for assistance in securing the photograph. 



Chapter XX. 



INDIAN PONIES. 

As noted in the preceding chapter, Indian Ponies doubtless trace 
in direct line to a more or less remote Mexican ancestry. Indeed, the 
horse stock of the tribes of Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona 
is nothing if not Mexican; but of the more northern tribes, it is probable 
that another factor has been potent in forming the breed. That the 
other factor must be sought in northern latitudes is beyond question, 
and we are convinced — after careful, continued observation of the ponies 
belonging to the various "Reservation" tribes — that the Canadian 
Pony, a descendant of the small horse stock of France, imported to 
Canada at an early date, is the animal that must bear the responsibility. 
We adopt this conclusion for several reasons, chief among them being 
the fact that Mustang colors are rarely found among Indian Ponies 
proper — the latter showing a great predominance of dark bay, brown 
and spotted (bay and white or brown and white), and the further fact 
that their conformation is decidedly different. The spotted marking is 



INDIAN PONIES. 




g» INDIAN PONIES. 

quite common, and it is difficult to trace its source, unless we accept the 
common belief that it is derived from horses inhabiting the mountainous 
parts of Persia and adjoining countries, through the Spanish and French 
ancestry. 

Indian Ponies are, as a rule, kind and gentle, enduring as much in 
the colder regions of the Northwest as do their Mustang relations in the 
Southwest. There is very little ill-temper observed among northern 
Indian Ponies: a simple fact — whether due to different treatment or to 
modification by Canadian crosses, we do not pretend to saj^ 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color, dark bay, brown and spotted (bay and white and brown and 
white), with almost always darker points. Some of these ponies are a 
most beautiful blood-bay, with black points, and, when they can be 
obtained, make excellent saddle ponies. (As a rule the better class of 
Indians are loth to part with their ponies, and even when a sale has 
been completed, it is no uncommon thing for the Indian to become sick 
of his bargain before the pony is out of sight, and insist on buying it 
back again.) 

In height they stand about 12 to 13 or 14 hands, weighing from 650 
to 850 pounds; they are rather more blockily built than Mustangs, the 
cannons are wider, and the pasterns more on the upright order. 

The illustration was engraved from a photograph taken in the 
Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory, and we take this occasion to return 
thanks to Mr. E. J. Smith, of Woodford, I. T. (now of Denison, Texas), 
for his kind assistance in securing it. The ponies represented weigh 
about 700 pounds each, and are said by the Indians to be purely Indian 
bred as far back as their ancestry is known. The boy holding them is 
a 17-year-old full-blooded Chickasaw, by name John Turnbull. 



Chapter XXI. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGE- 
MENT OF HORSES. 

In selecting a horse, more actual knowledge is needed than can be 
secured from books alone. The accurate judge of horse-flesh is one who 
has made the subject a practical, continued study for years, and who 
has at command not only the close knowledge gained by experience, 
but a good understanding, as well, of the principles which underlie 
Force and Action, applied in the movements of the horse. For an 
•exhaustive discussion of this subject, the reader is referred to any one of 
the special works on the horse — especially such books as Sanders' Horse 
Breeding, and Helm's American Roadsters and Trotting Horses, with 
which he is doubtless already familiar. We can only undertake to give 
a few of the more prominent points, which may possibly aid somewhat 
in forming an intelligent judgment. 

First. For draft, a horse must have weight ; he may have fine 
action also, but the weight he must have, if capable of long pulls before 
heavy loads. The shoulders should be upright and heavy below, in 
order that strain on the traces may be met by collar resistance at such 
an angle as will utilize all of the force exerted. The draft horse should 
stand fairly high m front (rather prominent withers), and must have a 
■chest of ample width to permit free expansion of lungs when under any 
temporary strain. The legs are best short, and should never exhibit 
that smooth, puffy appearance which always indicates a tendency to form 
fat at the expense of muscle; the cannons should be flat, and the joints, 
especially, hard and firmly bound together. As we have stated, fine 
action is not absolutely necessary, but for farm use a good, sprightly 
walk is certainly desirable. Right here we may say, that a horse of 
1,200 to 1,400 pounds weight is about the heaviest that will be found 
profitable on the ordinary farm ; the heavier animals will always be 
in demand for a different purpose, and an intelligent judgment will 
select in reference to the purpose for which desired. To be too "fiery" 
or "high strung" is an objection; the draft horse should be pre- 
eminently an animal of quiet — yet not sluggish — temperament. A 
strong, even puller will resist fatigue better, and do more service. 

Second. For speed, the shoulders should be slanting, the withers 
medium to low, the loin and rump high, and the hind quarters long and 

99 



lOO HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

furnished with powerful muscles. In the race horse, the propelling 
power comes from the rear, and a greater mistake could not be made 
than to select for running, a horse at all deficient in these parts, no mat- 
ter how fully he might fill the judgment in other respects. The legs must 
have some length, and here may be added double caution as to their qual- 
ity; not a particle of surplus flesh or fat should be apparent, and joints in 
particular must be closely knit together. The English government has 
a set of rules for the use of those who select horses for cavalr}- service, 
and we insert them here; the}' are called " Points for Rejection," but 
will answer equally well as points for selection : 

" Reject a horse whose fore-legs are not straight; they will not stand wear. Stand 
behind the horse as it walks away from you, and you will be able to notice these defects, if 
they exist. 

" Reject a horse that is light below the knee, especially if immediately below the 
knee ; the conformation is essentially weak. 

" Or a horse with long, or short or upright pasterns; long pasterns are subject to 
sprains; short or upright pasterns make a horse unplea'sant to ride, and on account of ex- 
tra concussions, are apt to cause ossific deposits. 

" Or a horse with toes turned in or out. The twist generally occurs at the fetlock. 
Toes turned out are more objectionable than toes turned in. When toes turn out the fet- 
locks are generally turned in, and animals so formed are very apt to cut or brush. Both, 
however, are weak formations. 

"Reject a horse whose hind legs are too far behind; good propelling power will be 
wanting, and disease as a result may be expected in the hocks. And a horse which };oes 
either very wide or very close behind, and one with very straight or very bent hocks; the 
former cause undue concussion; the latter are apt to give way, 

■' Reject a horse that is ■ split-up' — that is, shows much daylight between the thighs; 
propelling power comes from behind, and must be deficient in horses without due muscu- 
lar development between the thighs. 

" Reject a horse with flat or over large feet, or with very small feet; medium sized 
are best. 

" Also, a horse with one foot smaller than another." 

Concerning mental aptitude and physical conformation as related 
to selection of the horse for speed at certain gaits, we insert herewith 
the major portion of an article on " The Development of the American 
Trotter — A Study in Animal Physics", prepared by the author, read June 
14, 1892, before the Texas Academy of Science, and printed in the 
"Transactions" of the Academ}': 

:<* * * * In the development of our own peculiar breeds, the 
American Trotter, the pacer and the American saddle horse, we have 
proved two things: First, that artificial gaiting may be made permanent 
and become transmissible, or subject to the laws of heredity; and sec- 
ond, that by solution of the gaiting problem the new world has suc- 
ceeded where the old world always failed, save in the single instance of 
the Russian Orloff — a breed in no waj' equaling that finished product 
of the breeder's art, the American Trotter. Besides a feeling of pride 
in the fact that our breeders have succeeded beyond their most sanguine 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. lOI 

hopes, a close study of the methods pursued by leading trainers, and the 
physical and mental characters of the winning horses at either gait, 
brings up matters of interest to all, and of especial moment to the stu- 
dent of animal physics. 

"Since the early years of the present century (1806), when a horse 
of unknown breeding trotted a full mile under saddle in the almost in- 
credible time of 2:59 (but one second better than three minutes), the 
records show a series of descending steps — each step a tablet to the 
memorj' of some once famous horse. 

" Flora Temple, the first to beat 2:20 in 1859, Dexter, Goldsmith 
Maid, Rarus, St. Julien, Jay Eye See, Maud S. and Sunol, the present 
queen of the trotting turf by virtue of her 2:081^,* have each in turn low- 
ered the world's mile record at the trot; while among pacers the record 
d'ops from that of Roanoke — first to beat 2:20 in 1852 — past Pocahon- 
tas, Billy Boyce, Sleepy Tom, Little Brown Jug and Johnston, to the 
2:06 of Direct, the black California wonder, that has earned and now 
holds the world's mile record at the pace -j-. * * * Brain capacity 
in the horse is of vital moment to the trainer, as is brain capacity in the 
student to the teachers under whom he seeks instruction. The sluggish, 
stupid brain of dullard, horse or human, will never show that firm yet 
plastic nature fitted best to carry knowledge. The brain one-sided in its 
make-up may receive instruction fairly well, but when forced to execute 
beyond a certain limit, falls by reason of its lack of balance, and fails to 
hold the mastery at the very moment when the muscles, strained beyond 
the power to respond in reflex action, most have need of mind control. A 
first essential for the horse that carries highest speed at artificial gait is 
a brain with ample room for strain in mental exercise — a perfect poise, 
that neither loses interest by lack of work in competition, nor overthrows 
its balance by undue excitement. The horse that "keeps his head" can 
be urged to greater effort and will break but rarely, catching quickly at 
the gait desired in obedience to the driver's will; while the horse with 
mental poise at best uncertain, carries his gait at moments to terrific 
speed, but just as surely follows up by breaking, losing time, and possi- 
bly a race, before he can be righted and held down to steady work. 

"I have no patience with that narrow view which credits brain in 
so-called lower animals only as an 'instinct.' The horse that bears the 
highest training goes beyond an instinct, and shows a true brain action 
at once receptive and controlling in its functions. It cannot equal hu- 
man mind, 'tis true, but to call it ' instinct ' merely, is an insult to the 
horse creation. 

* since dethroned by Nancy Hanks, 2:04, and beaten also as to record by the stallions Kremlin, 2:073^, 
and Stamboul, 2:07^. 

t Direct still holds the world's mile pacing mark for stallions, having: once again lowered it to 2:05^^, 
but the world's mile pacing record is now held by the gelding Mascot, 2:04. 



I02 HINTS ON SELECriON, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

"Admitting, as a first essential, brain in horse as well as human, 
we may ask, is there a second necessary — a sort of corollary to the first 
— wherein the tape-line and the practiced eye may be relied on to select 
a future winner at the trot or pace ? Can we find, in other words, some 
standard shape or measurement of certain parts, without which highest 
speed will be impossible ? Perhaps no other subject in the breeder's 
realm brings forward such opposing forces as the proposition just ad- 
vanced — nor can we say that either side is wholly in the wrong. Laws 
of motion, gravity and projectile speed, and strength by leverage of 
inert matter, have been investigated, and are fairly known ; but when 
applied to life and vital action something else must be considered, and 
the strongest rule, as based on theory of motion, may be proved only 
by the plain exceptions found. To say that quality and speed in trot- 
ters can be determined b}^ the tape-line to a certainty would be absurd 
at best ; but we may be able often to reject the horse that lacks capacity 
to trot at speed, and thus save time and spare ourselves the disappoint- 
ment certain to result from training trotters that can never trot. Bear 
in mind that best of form must not be taken as a guaranty of speed at 
either trot or pace; but this much may be said with certainty, if he 
lack the form demanded, he may be fast and game, may even trot well 
down among the lower 'teens' in seconds ; but the records of the world 
will never be in danger, and the mark he does attain will be due to skill 
in training or to mental impulse, and cannot be credited to shape or 
trotting leverage. 

" §evere exertion of the muscles, long continued, is only possible 
when the lungs are free in ample chest room. This we find best illus- 
trated in the Thoroughbred or running horse ; and here comes in an 
argument for the use of running blood in breeding trotters, which so 
many hold in favor. The highbred horse — the Thoroughbred — excels 
in this respect beyond all question, and the trotter that can stand the 
strain of long heat races must show the lung development of a Thor- 
oughbred, with the dilating nostrils and the clean-fleshed throat that 
indicate the perfect freedom of the breath. 

" The muscles of the leg, aside from leverage, which depends on 
length of bone, must be developed to the point of balanced tension, 
and especially be trained to work at all times absolutel}' under brain 
control. 

" The leverage of motion in the horse rests almost solel}' in the 
quarters, front and rear. Front leverage (see illustration) is perhaps of 
lesser moment, from the fact that the main propelling power comes 
from rear development ; but the trotting leverage in front is still of great 
importance, since by it alone we may determine reach and stroke, or 
smoothness of the stride. From a mechanical point of view the lever- 
age in front presents an interesting double or compound lever, lifting of 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 



103 



the knee being due to a lever of the third class, where the power acts 
between the fulcrum and resistance ; while the bending of the knee, or 
flexure of the cannon on the fore-arm, shows a lever of the same class, 
combined with pulley action of the tendons at the knee. If the fore-arm 
bone — the Radius — be long, the lifting power of the muscles acting on 
the elbow as a fulcrum meets a greater weight resistance at the knee, 
the motion must be slower, and the knee will not be lifted high, as when 
the bone is shorter. If, too, the cannon bone be short in proportion to 




truYW 



U<^^\A\\t.v^ 



FRONT LEVERAGE. 



the fore-arm the necessity for high knee action is entirely overcome, and 
the horse will have an easy reaching stride that covers distance without 
seeming to exert, and saves the feet by striking lightly even at the high- 
est speed. 

" The reverse proportion — short fore-arm and relatively longer can- 
non bone — insures a high and pounding action of the knees that always 
tends to greater wear and waste of muscle energy, as well as damage to 
feet and legs by heavy pounding when the horse is forced to travel fast. 



I04 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEiMENT OF HORSES. 

■■Almost all the line descendants of old Hambletonian have this 
easy reaching action, and the measurements of leading members of the 
famil}' show a uniformly long fore-arm and short front cannon, which, 
together, guarantee the smooth, far-reaching action just explained. The 
Electioneers — descended from Electioneer, the greatest son of Hamble- 
tonian — show the feature strongest, and among them rest the records of 
the world at nearly every age from yearlings up. Hambletonian himself, 
the founder of the Hambletonian famih', and the horse that should be 
credited as the actual founder of the trotting breed, had a cannon 
measurement of iJj4, fore-arm of 20J2 inches — a ratio of 1:1.783, and 
this ratio is exactly reproduced in his grandson Ansel, owned by Mr. 
Bonner and selected by him as the then best son of Electioneer. Sunol, 
the best daughter of Electioneer, measures 103-4 and igj^ inches re- 
spectively for cannon bone and fore-arm — a ratio of 1:1.823. Nancy 
Hanks, bv Happy Medium, another son of Hambletonian, measures 10 
and 19 inches — a ratio of 1:1. g. Her knee action is perfection, and 
her mile in 2:09* on a regulation track is almost fairly equal to the 
2:083^ of Sunol on the Stockton kite. 

" The extreme of high knee action was illustrated in the gait of 
Smuggler — a converted pacer of undoubted courage and recorded trot- 
ting speed, but whose everj' motion carried a suggestion of a cj'clone. 
He measured 12 and 20 inches — a ratio of 1:1.666. Helm credits 
Smuggler with raising the knee above the horizontal to an angle of 45 
degrees, and states that he 'strikes the ground with a force that is simply 
terrific' It should be borne in mind, however, that the heav}' muscled 
shoulders, high withers and well set neck which made him pace by na- 
ture made him also strike with added weight when speeding at the trot. 

"While the principle of speed with least exertion is a good one 
alwaj's to be kept in view, we should not forget that safety lies in mid- 
dle ground of conformation. The extremely short front cannon, acting 
with the long fore-arm, amounts to drag or dwelling motion and may 
even spring the knees behind the vertical, resulting in a "calf-kneed" 
horse — which no one can admire and few will care to use. The horse 
with extra short fore-arm and long front cannon will finally be knee- 
sprung almost to a certainty — "buck-kneed" and stumbling as he 
walks, a perfect picture of decrepitude. (See illustration.) For the 
stylish coach or carriage horse, the proud high stepper, with the short 
fore-arm and relatively longer cannon, will be greatly in demand; but 
for speed and stamina in long heat races, tie your fortunes to the horse 
that reaches out in front and moves the body forward on an even line at 
no great distance from the ground. 

"Rear leverage in the horse means something more than mucsle 
force which gives propelling power. No horse can carry speed at any 

* Since reduced to 2:04. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CAK.E AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 



105 



gait with insufficient muscle, but the natural impulse of the horse to 
strike a gallop when he wants to travel faster may be so constrained b}' 
certain leverage in rear development as to make the artificial gait a 
second nature, breaking only when the brain is worried or the speed is 
carried past the limit which the horse can reach. 

"The motion of the hind legs, from the fetlocks up, is modified by 
four distinct true levers, each one more or less complex in action — one 
especially remarkable; the muscles from the haunch or hip bone and 
the lUiac fossa extend in two directions — downward to the stifle, and 
down and backward to the leg bone (Tibia) and the hock. The upper 
thigh bone (Femur) works at upper end against the lower portion of the 
Illium in connection with the other pelvic bones, and the muscles run- 
ning downward from the hip, together with the bones of upper thigh 




Ca\>[AW^«^' — Wo>t«\(xV 



"Iju^WWetK" 



and leg, form a double compound lever — really two in purpose — moving 
separately or jointly in obedience to the brain's direct or reflex action. 
The muscles of the lower thigh which flex the cannon on the leg, 
present a simple lever of the third class (power, between weight and 
fulcrum) combined with pulley action of the tendons at the hock — exactly 
corresponding to the leverage in front which bends the cannon on the 
fore-arm. (See illustration — Rear Leverage.) 

" If the distance from hip to hock be fairly long in reference to the 
lower thigh, the horse will stand with straiter leg at rest, and the hock 
will swing in trotting almost underneath the stifle, somewhat with the 
motion of a pendulum. Such are called 'line trotters,' and our best ex- 
amples bear the blood of Hambletonian through his son Electioneer. 
Nearly all Electioneers reach out in front and trot directly on a line be- 



I06 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

hind, the hind foot passing underneath the front, and placing squarely 
with the body. 

"The Knoxes of New England illustrate extremely narrow trotting, 
passing hocks in motion very close, and barely missing interference. 
The thigh is very short, the length from hip to hock is relatively long. 
They are descended from ahorse called General Knox — standing 15 hands 
2 inches, and with a thigh but 203^ inches. 

"The reverse of this proportion, longer thigh and relatively shorter 
length from hip to hock, compels the horse to travel wide behind — 
swinging out the hocks in motion to avoid necessity for greater elevation 
of the stifle. The extreme in wide hock action showed in Duroc, with 
a thigh 24)4 as compared with length from hip to hock of only 39 — a 
ratio of 1:1.592. All of his descendants, to the present day, show Duroc 
blood in length of thigh, and travel with that open, straddling gait which 
such a conformation makes imperative. 

" Hambletonian showed the middle ground in ratio, both lines be- 
ing long, but lengthened so that each might correlate the other's action 
and insure 'line trotting' to perfection. His measurements were 24 and 
41 respectively for thigh and hip to hock — a ration of 1:1.708, and his 
best descendants show a similar proportion. Nancy Hanks, already 
mentioned as the daughter of a son of Hambletonian (Happy Medium), 
measures 21^ and 38 — a ratio of 1:1.747. Ansel, by another son (Elec- 
tioneer), measures 23)^ and 40^4 — a ratio of 1:1.723. Maud S., by Har- 
old (one of Hambletonian' s sons) measures 23^ and 40 — a ratio of 
1:1.684 — and is said to have an almost perfect action. Sunol, by Elec- 
tioneer, has a longer thigh and therefore has a longer stride, and carries 
speed at somewhat wider gait than most of the Electioneers. Her meas- 
urements are 24)^ and 40 — a ratio of 1:1.632. Nearly all the offspring 
of the so-called 'Star cross' in the Hambletonian family show the blood 
of Duroc through his son American Star. A horse ' Star gaited' trots 
with well spread hocks and carries speed without a chance of inter- 
ference, front or rear. 

" But by far the most important trotting leverage remains to be con- 
sidered: length of Metatarsal bone (the cannon of the hind leg), as com- 
pared with length from hip to hock. As a rule the horse with hock 
placed low — that is, with short hind cannon — carries speed to some ex- 
tent by nature at the trot; while the horse with hock placed high — that 
is, with long hind cannon — is a galloper from impulse. Do not under- 
stand by this that a horse with fairly long hind cannon cannot carry 
trotting speed — far from it; many a horse that lacks the best essentials 
for perfection at the trotting gait, by long and carefrl training, proper 
balancing by shoes and toe weights, and restraint by straps and hobbles, 
may be trained to trot at speed; but the time is past when trotting in- 
terests can be sustained by training and manipulation only. The impulse 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 



107 



to trot — the 'instinct,' if you will — must be controlled in great degree by 
conformation of the parts concerned, combined with mental aptitude. 
Both these essentials for the future trotter may be fixed by well known 
laws of breeding, and become established features of the future trotting 
breed. 

"That an animal with long hind cannon will be a galloper by 
nature, and with short, a trotter, is shown most clearly by a study of 




\\ \ \ 
\u\txV\W 

4 I 



XHCt 



ov(ex aeWi 



A 






Vte\^V\: 



REAR LEVERAGE. 

the measurements and gaits of those wild animals with which we are 
familiar. The elephant, whose gait is nothing but a trot, albeit verging 
toward a singlefoot, in spite of his enormous size and length of leg has 
hock placed almost on the ground — a cannon bone no longer than its 
breadth, and never to exceed five inches. A little study of the parts 
concerned will satisfy the most incredulous that the gait which he 



Io8 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

assumes by nature is a matter not o-f choice but of necessity — he could 
not gallop if he would. H-is leverage has been wisely placed to carry 
the weight of his un.gainly body, and his speed becomes a matter wholly 
secondary. The long, strong muscles reaching from his hip to hock 
run almost parallel to the bones of upper thigh and leg, and could 
hardly be expected to exert sufficient force for lifting such enormous 
quarters briskly as in galloping ; the motion must be swinging — not 
propelling — a condition which the trot fulfills exactly. 

"The other extreme — the long hind cannon and the corresponding 
pushing or propelling gait, the gallop — may be found in all those ani- 
mals of well-known speed, as deer and antelope, jack rabbits, and the 
like. Their natural gait, at anything beyond a walk in speed, is known 
to be a gallop, and the conformation correlates the gait. The prong- 
horned antelope {Antilocapra Americana) of Northwest Texas, rarely ever 
known to trot, although but ^1% inches high, displays a cannon meas- 
urement of 12^ inches as compared with length from hip to hock of 
i6}^, a ratio of but 1:1.3. 

"Just what ratio in this lower lever will be most conducive to the 
trotting gait can be determined only by a study of the measurements of 
well known trotting horses now before the public, noting the peculiar 
points of interest in their ways of going, and especially their tendencies 
to break when urged to highest speed. Sunol measures 17^ and 40 
respectively for hind cannon and length from hip to hock, a ratio of 
1:2.285. Her hock is very low, the cannon extra short, and her mile in 
2:0834^ bears witness to her speed capacity. Ansel, also by Electioneer, 
shows nearly equal measurement, a ratio of 1:2.222. Delmarch, by 
Hambrino, measures 17% and 38}^, a ratio of 1:2.232. Jack, the 
steady, gray campaigner owned by Mr. Forbes, measures 17^ and 37, a 
ratio of 1:2.114. Mary Marshal measures 18 and 39, a ratio of 1:2.167; 
and Allerton, the king of racing stallions,* measures 17 and 39, a ratio 
of 1:2.294. 

"Nearly all the great celebrities at present on the track show can- 
non not quite half as long as length from hip to hock; a few exceptions 
only prove the rule. The horses named are all pure gaited trotters, 
bearing voice and whip if needed in a race without a skip, and straining 
every muscle in a keen desire to win. The record each has made is 
plainest evidence that trotting blood and brain and leverage combined 
will carry highest speed. Mary Marshal, 2:i2|4^; Jack, 2:12; Delmarch, 
2:iij4; Allerton, 2:09^4^; Maud S., 2:0854^, ^^^d Sunol, 2:08^^, are proof 
potential of the progress made in breeding trotters since the days of 
Flora Temple." 

Soundness (by which is meant freedom from disease or any abnor- 
mal feature) is of prime importance, especially in selecting for stud use; 

*Since dethroned successively by Palo Alto, 2:oS^ ; Kremlin, 2:07^, and Stamboul, 2:075^. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. IO9 

and while we cannot undertake a description of the numerous blemishes 
and diseases to which the horse is subject, we may call brief attention 
to the nature and relative consequence of some of the more common 
troubles : 

"Founder" (Laminitis in its various forms) is caused by over- 
heating, over-feeding, or drinking to ■ excess. Although a systemic 
disturbance, it is usually manifested in the feet, and a horse once foun- 
dered is ver}^ likely afterward to have frequent trouble in these parts. 
"Sweeny" (Atrophy or Shrinking of the shoulder muscles) is another 
manifestation of injury, which can be "cured," but is always liable to 
reappear on slight provocation. A sweenied horse, no matter how thor- 
oughly he may have been "cured," it is always safe to reject. 

Corns may be easily detected by tapping sharply with any blunt- 
pointed instrument on the sole of the foot, in the angle formed by the 
wall at the quarter and the inflected portion bounding either side of the 
frog; they never appear in any other place. Bad corns are very hard to 
cure, and a horse thus afflicted had best be thrown out; but mild corns 
— caused usually by poor shoeing — can be easily and permanently cured, 
and need not weigh heavily against the purchase of an otherwise desir- 
able horse. Contracted feet, also caused by improper shoeing, may be 
placed in the same class as corns. Both these troubles, if mild, may be 
cured, as a rule, by removing shoes, paring down the foot at the 
quarters, and letting the animal run at grass, barefooted, for a month or 
six weeks. 

Spavin in all its forms is a trouble we have always been afraid of ; 
some writer has called it "the sum of all villainy in horse-flesh" — and 
so it is. It affects the hind leg at the hock joint, sometimes as a watery 
swelling in front called "Bog Spavin," or in the rear on either side of 
the hamstring, when it is called "Thoroughpin," but in any case, it is 
liable to affect the small bones of this region, cause abnormal bone de- 
posit, and become the justly dreaded "Bone Spavin," by which so man}' 
originally valuable animals are ruined annually. By all means reject a 
horse showing any indication of Spavin or of "treatment" for Spavin. 

Curb, affecting the back or point of the hock, is of less moment ; it 
is generally caused by kicking against something hard, or habituall}' 
stepping over something just high enough to strike the heel in passing. 
If the injury is recent, frequent and vigorous rubbing will effect a cure ; 
if bone deposit has formed, it will always leave a blemish, but the horse 
may be — and usually is — serviceably sound. Splint — usually appearing 
as a hard bunch on the inner side of a front cannon, but sometimes on 
either side of any cannon, front or rear — is another trouble about like 
curb ; it leaves a blemish, and of course prevents great speed, but for 
ordinary use the animal is as good as ever. 

Ringbone affects the bones of the pastern — making a bony bunch of 



no HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

considerable size — and causing, usually, serious lameness. It is consid- 
ered incurable. Horses with short, upright pasterns are much more 
subject to this trouble and to the next than are those with pasterns of 
an opposite character. 

Coffin joint lameness (Navicular disease) is one of those troubles 
about which little is really known, but much written. The Coffin or 
Navicular joint is just within the hoof, and hence practically inacces- 
sible for treatment. As noted under Ringbone, horses with vertical pas- 
terns are more subject to these troubles, and should be rejected, es- 
pecially when selecting for light wagon or carriage use. 

Concerning care and management, it has been our aim to secure 
statements from successful breeders of the actual methods employed 
by them in feeding, handling and breeding stock. In these statements 
are represented breeders of various classes of stock, and in different 
climates ; and we present the following letters, in the firm belief that 
the information thus given is well worth a careful study : 

French Draft, Percherons and Trotters. 

"Houston. Tex., July 17, 1888. 
* * * * 

"In the growing of horses, my object has been to produce the best horse at the least 
expense, and to accomplish this I have spared no pains in first securing the best of sires, 
and then providing clean, wholesome stables, well ventilated, with pure water and whole- 
some food ; usually feeding oats twice a day and wheat bran once, but an occasional 
gradual change from oats to corn I have found advisable in maintaining the appetite. I 
give every sire at least five miles exercise per day. I regard this exercise as of special im- 
portance in the season for actual service. He is then always healthful and vigorous. This 
applies to either pure-bred or standard-bred sires that are kept up, and served to halter to 
choice mares, when registration of their progeny is required. Less valuable sires, when 
their progeny are supposed to sell only on their individual merits, I have found it more 
economical and raised a larger percentage of colts, to turn them out in pastures with a 
limited number of mares, not to exceed 25, not failing to give them a feed of oats each 
day to keep them strong and vigorous ; and, in fact, 'turned loose' is the most natural 
way, and in all classes of breeding, it has been my experience that to assist nature is the 
best that we can do. 

"In providing food for mares, we have found it most satisfactory and economical to 
cut and stack hay in pastures, the stacks serving as food and shelter, and with much less 
expense and waste than any other way. Colts, when of sufficient age to take from their 
mothers, we catch, halter and hitch in stable, until they learn to eat, and lose all fear of 
being handled, and when again caught, if not until maturity, they will not forget their 
early handling at the halter. We then turn them in pasture by themselves, where they 
have all the hay, oats and bran they will eat the first winter. They have then arrived at 
the age of one year, in a thrifty, growing condition, and will take care of themselves in 
pasture until matured to the age of three or four years, suitable to break to saddle and 
harness. At this time avoid 'breaking' their temper and constitution, but on the contrary, 
through a process of kindness, teach them to lose all fear, and when this is accomplished, 
the natural instincts control, and they will then intelligently respond to all reasonable 
calls. 4. little feed in winter, where circumstances and numbers will admit, would be a 
judicious expense. Yours very truly, 

"H, B. SANBORN " 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. Ill 

Mr. Sanborn's methods give a clear idea of handling for profit in the 
Southwest. The practice of breaking colts at an early age cannot be 
too strongly urged; once trained, the spirit of obedience to a master's 
will is never lost. The natural way of breeding — "turned loose" — is the 
practice adopted by all breeders of pony mares to common stallions, and 
is satisfactory so far as percentage of foals to service is concerned; but 
it must be remembered that to secure higher results — as Mr. Sanborn 
states— nature needs a large amount of assistance — indeed, a very high 
type of skilled "Art" is required to develop and bring to the surface 
the actual but latent merit of an individual or breed. 

Cleveland Bays, English Shires and Clydesdales. 

"Springfield, III., August io, 1888. 

* * * * 

" My way of handling a stallion is as follows: During the winter, whilst I give him 
a fair allowance of grain, mixed with bran, and cut hay or oat sheaves, I do not let him 
get too fleshy, giving him good exercise daily, and a few weeks prior to commencing the 
season, increase his allowance of grain (chiefly oats) so that on igoing on the stand, the horse 
is improving (/. c, fleshing up). Whilst making a season, I give a horse all he will eat 
(without crowding him), and in addition to the grain feed, give where possible some green 
feed once or twice per day. If not available, then the best hay morning and night. I 
usually feed one meal per day damped with water. 

■■With regard to breeding or brood mares, would say: If there is sufficient nutri- 
tious grass available, they should not require anything else, but a mare to be bred should 
also be improving in flesh, and will be much more liable to get in foal under such condi- 
tions; a little extra feed at this time is not thrown away. 

'■In addition to their mother's milk, colts should have access to feed of crushed 
oats and bran, at least twice daily, and although many think this unnecessary, I think the 
growth and the superiority of colts reared under these conditions will, after being once 
tried, convince the most skeptical of the benefits to be derived from a generous feed in 
addition to that provided by nature; besides, a colt is so much more easily weaned when 
taught to eat and look out for himself when young. All colts should be handled, hal- 
tered and broke when three years old. * * * * 

"Yours truly, R. P. STERICKER." 

Mr. Stericker believes in feeding his colts, and we think the point 
is well taken. At no other time in the period of horse existence will a 
little feed give such large returns as during the first and second years, 
and the so-called economy of short rations at this time is really the ver}' 
opposite of economy in fact. 

Cleveland Bays and English Shires. 

'Cedar Falls Stock Farm, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Aug. 15, 1888. 

* * * * 

■ ■ Having so many stallions, it is impracticable to give them harness or saddle exer- 
cise as required. We have, however, large well-fenced exercising grounds, into which 
they are turned singly, daily. The exercise and rolling contact with mother earth, vol- 
untarily taken in the sunlight, aids to keep them healthy. They have box stalls well 
lighted and ventilated, with earth floors and perfect cleanliness. Their food in the off 



112 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OK HORSES. 

feason should be clean, bright hay, oats mixed with bran or shorts, and once or twice a 
wsek some vegetables. It is also desirable to cut and save in cellar for winter, sods ot 
grass, to give them occasionally, which are eaten with avidity and benefit. In very cold 
weather a little corn would aid in maintaining animal heat, but we use it very sparingly. 
In case o£ hird fasces, indicating costiveness, steep half pint of flaxseed, and feed with 
oats. We aim to keep them in good heart through the winter, but not fieshy. In the 
breeding season the ration is more liberal, and is supplemented by half pint to a pint of 
hempseed (which is not a drug, and is harmless) say three times a week, and raw eggs 
about as often, mixed with the feed. Fresh grass is always craved, and is beneficial. 
For mares, free run in pasture on grass — the natural food — is best, with, when neces- 
sary, some oats and bran. Toward time for stinting to the horse, half pint of hempseed 
is desirable three times a week, and for a short time after service. It is undoubtedly 
good for both stallions and mares to have reasonable, careful work at proper times, to 
develop stamina and muscle and give constitution to offspring. Colts should run freely 
in pasture and have, when on dry food, a few oats, bran and vegetables ; kept growing 
thriftily, but not pampered ; should be handled often, firmly but kindly. This should 
also be the rule in handling stallions. 

■■ Very respectfully, W. M. FIELDS & BRO." 

The Cedar Falls Stock Farm is well known as carrying an excellent 
stock of horses. Mr. Fields admits that it is impossible, on account of 
the number on hand, to give each stallion the exercise which should be 
given, but thinks they have adopted the next best plan — daily yard runs 
in the open air. In lieu of the green sods cut and kept for winter use, 
as suggested, we have understood that ensilage in small quantities has 
been used to advantage, and we should think the practice would involve 
much less trouble and expense. 

American Trotters. 

"Willow Lawn Farm, Waverly, Iowa, July 26, 1888. 
* * * * 

" As I have been away from home since July i, have had no time to prepare state- 
ment of care of mares and colts, as requested ; but our practice is to keep as close to 
nature as possible, giving mares entire freedom, and feeding only such grain as is neces- 
sary to keep them in fine condition at all times. Onr colts are constantly handled by 
quiet, careful men, so that when ready to put in harness, we have seldom any trouble 
with them. We have about 50 high-bred mares, and we try to give each mare and colt 
such care as their individual condition requires. 

"Very truly yours, J. H. BOWMAN " 

Knowing the high character of "Willow Lawn" stud, we can only 
express regret that Mr. Bowman had not time to give us a more 
extended outline of his practice. 

Draft and Trotting Horses. 

"FisKviLLE, Travis County, Texas, Aug. 27, 1S88. 
■;:- * -:f * 

"In keeping stallions for public service I have handled each year, for the past 

fifteen years, from 50 to 150 mares ; one stallion that I stood six consecutive seasons, 

averaged, according to accurate written records, S3 per cent, of foals to mares served, 

and all animals handled by me have averaged about 75 per cent., whilst I do not think 

the general average will exceed 50 per cent, of foals to mares served. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. II3 

"My practice is to have the stallion in strong, vigorous condition, and to keep him 
so throughout the breeding season — say from March i to July i — by constant and 
abundant exercise ; and no plan will give this needed exercise in so desirable and eco- 
nomical shape as to make a business horse of him — under the saddle and in harness, one 
or both. The constant use, association and control by his master renders him 
obedient, manageable and safe; whilst it also keeps all the vital organs in full and 
vigorous play — which gives a larger per cent, of foals from his service, and with more 
constitution and vitality. I wish to emphasize this point, for it is opposite to the pre- 
vailing custom. 

" Next, be sure your mare is in season (heat) ; * * it requires experience to deter- 
mine this accurately — mares vary greatly in temperament, or nervous organization, and 
consequently conduct themselves differently. * * Such mares as have dropped foals 
will, almost invariably, be in heat in from seven to ten days after foaling. * * * i 
always have the colt accompany its mother, else she is fretting for it, and it is more difE- 
cult to ascertain her true condition. After the first service, * * if the mare's condition 
is normal, until she is safe in foal heat will recur at intervals of 21 days, varying a lit- 
tle with the individual; thus you will see why a reasonable degree of success attends those 
who practice returning mares on the seventh or ninth day after service. My observation 
has been that mares carry a heat on the average, five days. 

' ' When foaling time is at hand see that the mare is exposed to no extra risks, then 
let her alone. When the mother's milk fails to keep the foal fat, feed her grain to enrich 
it, and that the colt may learn to eat and digest the grain perfectly before weaning time, 
which should be done at from six to eight months of age, at which time it should be abun- 
dantly and regularly supplied with nutritious food. Oats and bran are my choice, with 
corn added as cold weather comes on; the desideratum being to keep up thrift and growth 
from birth to maturity. If this is interrupted at any stage, one loses not only in size, but 
in style or symmetry. Where growing colts are thus constantly associated with man, the 
breaking-in to service is a simple thing ; the transition is so easy and natural that they 
hardly know it, and where light and occasional work is performed by them between the 
second and third years, by the time maturity is reached the animals are thoroughly de- 
veloped, trained and safe, and will command the very highest market price for their re- 
spective kinds. In fact, from discriminating buyers, a horse known to be thus raised and 
trained will command an extra price. 

" Very truly yours, C. A. GRAVES." 

Mr. Graves is careful to emphasize the necessity for actual use, either 
under the saddle or in harness, of service stallions, and brings out clearly 
the points in breeding on which beginners are apt to stumble. His let- 
ter contains some valuable information well worth remembering. 




I, Muzzle; 2, Face; 3. Forehead; 4, Throat; 5, Neck; 0, Dewlap; 7, Brisket; 8, Shoulder; 
9, Shoulder-tips ; 10, Crops; 11, Chine, or Back; 12, Loins; 13. Rump; 14. Hip, or Hook-bone ; 15, 
Thurl ; 16, Buttock ; 17, Upper-thigh, or Quarter ; 18, Lower-thigh, Leg. or Gaskin ; 19, Hock ; 20, 
Onglons, or False hoofs ; 21, Hoof, or Foot ; 22, Hind-udder; 23. Fore-udder; 24, Teats; 25, Milk- 
vein; 26, Flank; 27, Belly; 28, Side; 29, Girth Arm-pit, or Fore-flank ; 30, Knee; 31, Switch, or 
Brush of the Tail; 32, Setting-on, or Drop of the Tail ; 33, Ears; 24, Horns; 35, Nosfril ; 36, 
Cheek, or Lower jaw ; 37, Chest. 



114 



PART SBCOND. 



CATTLE. 



DAIRY BREEDS 

Holstein-Friesians Chapter 

Jerseys 

Guernseys 

Ayrshires 

Dutch Belted 

American Holderness 

Brown Swiss 

Brittanies 

Kerries . . 



XXII. 

XXIII. 

XXIV. 

XXV. 

XXVI, 

XXVII. 

XXVIII. 

XXIX. 

XXX. 



GENERAL PURPOSE BREEDS. 

Shorthorns Chapter XXXI. 

Red-Polled .. XXXII 

^^''°«^ •■ XXXIII. 

longhorns 

normandies 

North Wales Black 

Pembrokes .... 



XXXIV. 

XXXV. 

XXXVI. 

XXXVII. 



BEEF BREEDS. 

Herefords Chapter XXXVIII 

Galloways 

Aberdeen-Angus 

Polled Durhams 

Sussex 

Si.mmenthal 
Bkaiimins (Zebu) 

West Highlands ■■ 

Texans 



XXXIX. 

XL. 

XLI. 

XLII. 

XLIII. 

XLIV. 

XLV. 

XLVI. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 
Chapter XLVII. . . 



page 
. ii6 



. 125 
■ 131 
135 
140 
144 
148 
152 
154 



157 
163 
167 

173 
176 
180 



185 
igi 
19G 
201 
204 
207 
210 



2Ii 



223 



Chapter XXII. 



HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 

To trace the early historj^ and establish the origin of this now firmly 
settled and improved breed, it is necessary to go back over the much 
disputed ground, until recently bitterly contested by the Holstein and 
the Dutch-Friesian Associations. The Friesians, or North Hollanders, 
from the earliest history have dwelt along the shores of the North Sea, 
and have possessed abundance of cattle ; their history dates as far back 
as 300 B. C. , and their cattle at that time are supposed to have been 
pure white. Tradition intimates that the progenitors of the breed came 
from India, but we have no authentic records to that effect. Two hun- 
dred years later the Batavians appear in history. They settled near the 
Friesians, and it is supposed that the cattle which they brought with 
them were black. From the crossing of these two breeds, then, might 
easily have arisen the black and white color of the present breed. 
However vague this theory of their origin may be, it is certain that these 
two tribes or provincial nations were afterwards known in common, and 
together celebrated for the excellence and great number of their cattle 
—so much so, indeed, that when present Holland came under Roman 
authority, the Friesians were required to pay an annual tax in hides, 
horns and cattle ; the Batavians chose rather to furnish soldiers, and 
from this time on they seem to have relegated to the Friesians all the 
responsibilit}-, labor and emolument arising from the cattle industr}'. 

As to whether the cattle of Friesland or North Holland were origi- 
nally obtained from the province of Holstein — lying in the northern part 
of Germany, along the border — or the exact reverse ; or, indeed, as to 
the truth of either assertion, it is not now necessary to consider; time 
has only made certain what all candid breeders of either Holsteins or 
Dutch-Friesians never denied — that the cattle of Holstein and those of 
Friesland or North Holland are, and for many years have been, practi- 
cally identical. The Holstein Breeders' Association was organized and 
the name adopted in good faith. What more suitable name for a breed 
than that of the country in which it has reached perfection ? But 
gradually the cattle of Holstein were culled of the best specimens, and 
importers began to secure choice animals from North Holland, calling 
them and having them recorded as Holsteins. Possibh' this fact may 
have hastened the organization of the Dutch-Friesian Association. Be 

116 



HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 



117 




Il8 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAXS. 

that as it may, the latter named society was organized in 1877, and the 
first volume of the Dutch-Friesian Herd Book of America appeared in 
1880. To a careful observer, the name appeared to be about the only 
real difference between these two recognized breeds, and attempts were 
early made by the more conservative breeders on both sides to join 
forces and admit their identity, by importing and breeding under one 
name instead of two. The name Holstein had an undoubted priority in 
America, and the black and white cattle of Friesland were persistently 
libeled as "Holsteins" by those who were either ignorant of the 
Friesian name, or too partisan in their views to regard it with fairness. 

The Dutch-Frissian breeders scored a strong point in their favor 
when they adopted for their Herd Book the Main or Advanced Register 
— of which we will speak later — in addition to the usual pedigree reg- 
ister of other breeds. Selfish interests undoubtedly operated to pre- 
vent a union of the two associations, but gradually the pressure of pub- 
lic opinion, combined with the good sense of a majority of breeders, 
effected a union. A joint committee having been appointed for the 
purpose of drafting a plan for consolidation, the two associations met 
in joint session May 26th, 1885, and formally adopted the plans pre- 
pared by the committee. The Holstein-Friesian Association (Thos. B. 
Wales, Boston, Mass., secretary) retained the Advanced Registry fea- 
ture, and we have thought best to insert here the rules and requirements 
for admission to this higher record as recently modified by the associa- 
tion, and furnished for our use by S. Hoxie, Superintendent, Yorkville, 
New York. 

First. An animal must be eligible to record in the Pedigree Register. 

Second. If a bull, he must have shown his superior qualities by his 
progeny, and must scale at least 80 points of the scale adopted ; if a 
cow, she must have borne a calf, and made one of the following records : 

' ' If calving on the day she is two years of age a record of not less than nine lbs. 
of butter in seven consecutive days, or not less than 6,500 lbs. of milk in 10 consec- 
utive months, or not less than 354 lbs. of milk in 10 consecutive days, previous to 
eight months from and after date of calving, in which last case she shall have made an- 
other record of 118 lbs. in 10 consecutive days after such period of eight months. 
And for every day a cow exceeds two years of age at date of calving in the 'two year 
form' the requirement of the 10 months record shall be increased 3j\pj lbs. ; the re- 
quirement of the earlier 10 days record y%\y of a lb. ; the requirement of the latter 
10 days record ^hs °^ ^ ^^- • ^""^ '^^ requirement of the butter record y^^ of an oz. 

"If calving on the day she is three years of age a record of not less than 11 
lbs. of butter in seven consecutive days, or not less than 7,900 lbs. of milk in 10 consec- 
utive months, or not less than 432 lbs. of milk in 10 consecutive days, previous to eight 
months from and after calving, in which last case she shall have made another record 
of 144 lbs. in 10 consecutive days after such period of eight months. And for every 
day she exceeds three years of age at date of calving in the ' three-year form' the same 
increase per day as in the two-year form. 

"If calving on the day she is four years of age a record of not less than 13 
lbs. of butter in seven consecutive days, or not less than 9,300 lbs. of milk in 10 consec- 



HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 



119 




I20 HOLSTEIX-FRIESIANS. 

utive months, or not less than 511 lbs. of milk in 10 consecutive days, previous to eight 
months from and after date of calving, in which last case she shall have made another 
record of not less than 170 lbs. in 10 consecutive days after such period of eight months. 
And for every day she exceeds four years of age at date of calving in the 'four-year form,' 
the same increase per day as in the three-year form. 

' ' If calving on the day she is five years of age a record of not less than 15 lbs. of butter 
in seven consecutive days, or not less than 10,700 lbs. of milk in 10 consecutive months, 
Or not less than 589 lbs. of milk in 10 consecutive days, previous to eight months from 
and after date of calving, in which last case she shall have made another record of not less 
than 197 lbs. in 10 consecutive days after such period of eight months. No increase o£ 
production shall be required from increased age at date of calving in 'full-age form.' 

"All records shall be made within a period of one year from date of calving (ex- 
cepting in case of a full year's record necessarily extending a year from its date of com- 
mencement), and in no case include milk or butter produced from a second calving. 

' ■ In making each and every such record the cow shall be milked dry at its com- 
mencement, an,i the close shall not extend beyond the number of days reported, reckoned 
at 24 hours each In each and every butter record reported the butter shall be of good 
marketable quality, salted at not higher than one ounce of salt to a pound of butter, and 
worked free from any excess of water or buttermilk. 

" In reporting each and every record, the date of calving shall be given, age of cow 
at such date, the date of commencement of record, the date of close of record, and the 
number of pounds of milk or butter produced ; and in records of butter production, the 
average number pounds of milk required to produce one pound of butter during the 
whole period covered by the record. At the option of the owner the number of milkiugs 
per day during any part of the time covered by the record or records may be given, or 
other matters of interest, to occupy in the Register not to exceed two lines as published. 
' ' Every such record shall be sworn to by each and every person assisting in making 
it, including in every case the owner of the animal. Such affidavits shall set forth that 
the record or records were made in accordance with these rules, and that they are true in 
each and every particular to the best knowledge and belief of the subscriber thereto. The 
inspector shall also certify that in his judgment the animal is capable of making such rec- 
ord or records. 

" A cow, to be eligible to this registry, shall also be found by the inspector to con- 
form to the structural requirements provided in connection with the Scale of Points. 

"A cow shall also be eligible to this registry on a record of pure butter fat, deter- 
mined by composite test of samples of her milk, taken from each and every milking for a 
period of seven consecutive days. The samples to be taken, in every instance, from the 
whole milking immediately after it has been thoroughly stirred and mixed. This composite 
test shall be determined by the I^abcock or other equally accurate apparatus or method 
approved by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. The total amount of milk 
given during this period of seven consecutive days shall be multiplied by the percent, of 
pure butter fat thus found in the milk, and the product obtained shall be the record. The 
requirement for entry on such a record of pure butter fat shall be 83 '3 per cent, of the 
requirement for entry on a record of marketable butter of a cow of the same age. Full 
particulars shall be reported and affidavits made as in cases of milk and marketable but- 
ter records. " 

The recent quarrel in the Holstein-Friesian camp between Eastern 
and Western breeders, and the attempted starting of a second Herd 
Book, will have a depressing effect on the really best interests of the Hol- 
stein-Friesian breed, and may result in even greater disaster. We have 
no "side" to take in this controversy, but in the interests of the whole 



HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 121 

breeding fraternity would say : One registry is ample; one association all 
that is necessary. If honest differences of opinion exist, let them be set- 
tled by other means, and keep the good name of the Holstein-Friesian 
breed from any further damage which the warring b''eeders may unin- 
tentionally inflict. 

DESCRIPTION. 

In outline they present the typical milk wedge, with narrow shoulder 
points and wide, strong hips; color jet black and pure white, more or 
less evenly variegated over the entire body; the brush of the tail must al- 
ways be white,no matter how strongly black may predominate elsewhere; 
the tastes of breeders differ as to markings, some preferring an excess of 
white, or at least evenly variegated, while others prefer to breed for a 
predominance of black, confining the white to the bell}' line, brush and 
star in forehead. In size they are fully equal to the Shorthorn or Here- 
ford — bulls weighing from 1,900 to 2,300 lbs., and cows from 1,200 to 
1,600 lbs. — lacking the square, heavy appearance of these breeds, but 
suggesting magnificent constitutions by their powerful frames. The 
head is long, with very little flesh, and prominent muzzle-veins; the mouth 
large and coarse; nostrils large and flexible; eyes not especially promi- 
nent, but large, bright and wide apart; face beautifully dished; horns 
small, clear at base, with black tips, usually pointing forward; ears large, 
thin, quick in movement and of yellowish, oily texture within; neck long, 
slender and finely tapered in the cow, with small dewlap suspended from 
lower one-third — in the bull the neck should still be fine at the head, but 
heavy, muscular and well set on at the shoulders. The shoulders are 
thin above, but long and very deep, giving a much greater shoulder-beef 
capacity than would appear at first thought. The rib arches gradually 
increase toward the loin region, giving ample room in the abdominal cav- 
ity, and by no means crowding the chest. The barrel gradually deepens 
to the region of the flank, which is low and well-muscled. The loin is 
full; hips wide apart, and on a level with the back; back straight through- 
out — although in some of the best milkers, there is more or less drop 
from the sacral regions; buttocks large, and the angle between them in 
the cow wide, giving ample room for passage of fcetus at parturition; 
tail long, slender and delicately tapering to the brush; hind quarters very 
heavy; legs rather longer than in the Shorthorn or Hereford, but straight 
and finely formed — crooked legs, as a necessary accompaniment to milk- 
ing qualities, no longer exist. The udder should be broad, square, close 
up to the body and spreading well forward on to the abdomen — long, 
low-hanging, meaty udders, that are nearly as large after milking as when 
distended with milk, are very objectionable; teats are nearly always even, 
good shape — not conical — and the reservoirs supplying them of about 
equal dimensions in the four divisions of the udder; escutcheon varies, 
and to select well requires an accurate knowledge of these peculiar 



122 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 

"mirrors," which we cannot give in a work of this kind. (For a very 
exhaustive exposition of the indications of escutcheons, we most heartily 
recommend the American translation of Guenon's Milch Cows.) The 
milk veins are remarkably developed in the best specimens, and the 
brisket, while not so low as in some other breeds, is broad and full. The 
skin is of medium thickness, soft and mellow to the touch, and the hair 
short, fine and close lying. The following Scale of Points was adopted 
August i2th, 1885, and is now in general use: 

cows. BULLS. 

2 Head 2 

2 Forehead 2 

2 Face . 2 

I Ears I 

2 Eyes 2 

2 Horns 2 

4 Neck 5 

3 . . Shoulders 4 

6 Chest 8 

2 Crops 4 

3 Back 3 

5 ', Barrel 6 

5 Loins and Hips 5 

4 Rump 5 

4 Thurl 4 

4 Quarters 5 

2 Flanks 2 

5 Legs 6 

2 Tail 2 

ID Hair and Handling 10 

10 Mammary Veins 10 

12 Udder 

8 Escutcheon 8 

Rudimentary Teats 2 



100 Perfection 



CHARACTERISTICS, USES AND ADAPTABILITY. 

The prominent characteristic of the Holstein-Friesian cow lies in 
her wonderful milk production; and of the bull, in his power to transmit 
superior milking qualities to his offspring. They are admittedly a 
superior milk breed, giving a large quantity of milk, especiall}^ rich in 
casein, and fairly good in butter content. Clothilde produced 26,021 lbs. 
2 ozs. of milk in one year — the second largest record ever made b}' a cow 
of any breed; she has also a record of 28 lbs. 2}^ ozs. of butter in seven 
days. Recently some astonishing results have beeen obtained in the 
butter line; a Mercedes heifer, propert)' of Thomas B. Wales, Jr., of 
Iowa City, Iowa, dropped her first calf February 13, 18S7, and when she 
was two years and twelve days old, commenced a seven daj-s' test. (See 



HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. I23 

rules of admission to Advanced Register.) She produced 2i lbs. 8 ozs. 
of unsalted butter in seven days, from a yield of 312 lbs. 6 ozs. of milk — 
said to be the largest certified record, with one exception, ever made by 
a heifer. 

Still more remarkable is the record of Pauline Paul, S52 A. R., 
2199 H. H. B., owned by J. B. Dutcher & Son, Pawling, N. Y. Drop- 
ping her calf January 19, 1890, when eight years of age, she produced in 
365 successive days, beginning February 8, 1890, and ending February 
7, 1891, 18,669 lbs. 9 ozs. milk, from which was made 1,153 lbs. 15% 
ozs. well worked, marketable butter. This record is truly remarkable, 
and has, of course, had to pass through the same gauntlet of doubting 
remarks and publications which are always launched when any world's 
records are broken. It is attested, however, under oath by the owners, 
and by H. D. Warner, Geo. Vail and W. H. Johnson, and we have no 
reason to doubt the truthfulness of what these gentlemen affirm. It 
will be seen that on an average it required a little over 16 lbs. of milk 
throughout the year to make one pound of marketable butter. Not only 
the owners but the whole Holstein-Friesian breeding fraternity are to 
be congratulated on the record of this wonderful cow. It is not only 
the largest butter record among Holstein-Friesians, but the largest but- 
ter record for an entire year ever made by a cow of any breed. She has 
also a record of 128 lbs. I3j4 ozs. of butter in 30 days. 

Pieterje, 2d, property of Mr. Dallas B. Whipple, of Cuba, N. Y., 
has lately completed the greatest milk record, not only to date, but that 
is likely to be made for some time to come; she is truly a wonderful 
animal, having to her credit 112 lbs. 7 ozs. of milk in one day; 3,289 lbs. 
10 ozs. in 31 consecutive days, and the enormous amount of 30,318 lbs. 
8 ozs. in one year of 365 days — surpassing the great yield of Clothilde by 
4,297 lbs., and proving herself the largest milker in the world. She was 
bred by T. K. Cuperus, of Boxum, Friesland, Holland; calved April 25, 
1877, and imported November i, 1882, by Mr. A. Bradley, of Lee, Mass. 

Touching their beef qualities we have yet much to learn ; their 
exponents claim for them finely marbled, rich, juicy flesh, while the 
opposite faction assert that they are good for nothing but milk; probably 
a mean between these two views will be found more nearly correct. 
That the grades produced by using Holstein-Friesian bulls on native 
stock rank well in size and thrift with the grades of either Shorthorn, 
Hereford or Galloway lineage, cannot be denied; but to claim as fine 
beef qualities for a typical milk breed as may be found in cattle bred 
especially for the butcher's block, is too much like the theory of the 
individual who claims the earth. They have size and vigor, two things 
of prime value in grading up a herd of native stock, and are especially 
valuable for the great Southwest for the reasons : First, that they 
rapidly improve the milking value of native stock by grading; and sec- 



124 HOLSTEIN-FRIESTANS. 

ond, that so far as we have been able to collect statistics, they acclimate 
in the fever belt with greater ease than any other known breed of im- 
proved cattle. They are ravenous eaters, bear forced feeding well, and 
give good return for extra care. 

Our illustrations are from the famous Lakeside Herd at Syracuse, 
N. Y. Clothilde we have already mentioned ; Netherland Prince has 
proved his great value, not only to his owners, but to the entire Hol- 
stein-Friesian fraternity. An animal of fine parts in himself, of untar- 
nished ancestry, and showing bv his superior get a wonderful power of 
transmission. 



Chapter XXIII. 



JERSEYS. 

This breed — the best known and most widely distributed of the 
Channel Island groups — has long held a high place in public favor. 
Although there is no doubt that the Jerseys were originally from Nor- 
mandy, in France, they were long ago transplanted, and became the 
peculiar breed of the Channel Islands. There are four of these Islands : 
Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Serk — named in order of their size — the 
last one, Serk, being so small as to have received scarcely any notice in 
the records of the Island Breeds. The people of the islands are essen- 
tially Norman in habits, appearance and dialect ; but ever since Nor- 
mandy was severed from English sway, these islands have remained, as 
their inhabitants evidently desired, a dependency of Great Britain, sub- 
ject to her rule, and, what is more to the point, her protection. The 
cattle of the islands, although at first considered as one breed, have 
within the last 50 years gradually drifted apart, until now there are 
recognized two distinct breeds, corresponding in name respectively to 
each of the two largest islands. Prof. Low (1842) seems to have recog- 
nized only one breed, describing that one under the name "Alderney," 
and merely mentioning the Jersey and Guernsey breeds in an incidental 
way. In America this condition of things has been continually reversed 
■ — Jerseys receiving most marked attention and entirely absorbing the 
Alderney name; while the Guernseys, until late years few in numbers, 
have been frequently compelled to struggle even for recognition as a 
distinct breed. 

Improvement of both groups was effected by the kindly care and 
attention lavished upon them. In no portion of the world, probably, is 
there more attention given to the comforts of the cow ; she is the main- 
stay and source of revenue to her owner, and holds a place in his 
affections justified by her financial importance. Under these condi- 
tions, supplemented by judicious selection in breeding, they have risen 
to their present merited position. In the United States, superior in- 
ducements have caused extra effort toward improvement and the estab- 
lishment of so-called fancy strains, until it may be safely asserted that 
there are as good Jerseys bred in America as can be found among those 

125 



126 JERSEYS. 

bred in their native islands. Their importation to America dates from 
as early as 1830, and from 1850 to the present time has been rapid and 
systematic. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE MODERN JERSEY. 

There are four different markings or styles of color to be found 
among registered Jerseys ; and, as tastes differ, each style is in suf- 
ficient demand to justify the continued supply, (i) Fawn and white, 
evenly variegated ; (2) solid fawn ; (3) brown and white ; and (4) 
solid brown. Solid color means all one color — that is, without admix- 
ture of white. The solid browns, however, gradually deepen to almost 
pure black at the head and lower joints of the legs, forming what are 
termed "black points." With the solid fawns there are also darker 
points, so that the term "solid color" may now be understood to include 
sev eral widely different shades of the same color. 

In all of these styles of color there is invariably a peculiar light, 
mealy-colored ring of hair just at the edge of and encircling the nos- 
trils — generally considered the distinctive mark by which even low- 
grade Jerseys may be recognized ; this same mark, however, in slightly 
different shade, is frequently met with among the unimproved Texas cat- 
tle — a fact which may serve to trace some possible relation between 
them, through the old Spanish cattle from which the Texas stock origi- 
nally sprang. 

The head is small, close fleshed, broad at the forehead and narrow 
between horns, with strongly dished face ; large, expressive eyes, set 
wide apart ; thin, delicate ears, and small, crumpled, amber colored 
horns. The neck is thin, long, fine at the head, and set into the 
shoulders, "ewe-necked;" shoulders thin and light; forward ribs flat, 
"fish-backed," but increasing in curvature to the loin ; hips fairly wide, 
but rump narrow, and buttocks lean ; body deepest at the flank, pre- 
senting the V-shaped outline of all milk breeds ; front legs short, fine 
boned, straight and small — hind legs somewhat coarser, and, in the less 
improved animals, rather crooked. The best improved specimens have 
been bred away from the crooked hocks of their ancestors, and can pre- 
sent as straight and clean a pair of heels as one would wish to see. 
The Jersey udder as a rule is not large, but its capacity is good, and the 
escutcheon, in all its forms, is built upon a rich orange yellow skin, 
which clearly marks the dominant characteristic of the animal — but- 
ter. The general appearance of the Jersey is that of all highl}' sen- 
sitive, nervous temperaments ; and, taken in connection with its pecu- 
liar color, furnishes a striking resemblance to the well-known South- 
ern deer. 

The following Scale of Points was adopted May 6th, 1885, by the 
American Jersey Cattle Club (J. J. Hemingway, of New York city, sec- 
retary), and is now in general use : 



JERSEYS. 



127 








^fer""ii", ■•,'...■'. 

^^^;ii||! Miii|i|] Ji'i J , 



l>fa-j^ 



lilllBIM 



niNiniiiwilj 



128 JERSEYS. 

COWS. BULLS. 

2 Head 2 

I Eyes I 

8 Neck 8 

I Back I 

6 Loin .6 

lo Barrel lo 

lo Hips and Rump lo 

2 Legs 2 

I Tail I 

5 Skin 5 

13 Fore Udder 

II . . . Hind Udder 

10 Teats 10 

5 Milk Veins 

5 Disposition 5 

10 General Appearance and Constitution . 10 

Progeny (for Bulls when exhibited in a 

separate class with their progeny) . . 29 

ICO Perfection 100 

In judging heifers, use same scale as for cows, omitting numbers 
II, 12 and 14. 

CHARACTERISTICS. 

As indicated above, the all-absorbing trait of the Jersey cow is the 
uniform richness of her milk in butter content ; the globules are large, 
causing the cream to separate easily and quickly from the body of the 
milk ; and the butter produced from it is usually more highly colored, 
under the same conditions as to food and care, than that of any other 
breed except, perhaps. Guernseys. In size the Jersey ranks with the 
small breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1,000 to 1,300 lbs., cows from 
650 to 950 lbs. 

As a family cow to supply cream or butter, or both, for the home 
table, the Jersey has no superior. For the butter dairy, as a special- 
purpose cow, she is also excellent, if not queen. 

Landseer's Fancy made 936 lbs. 14^ ozs. in one year; Massena 
made 902 lbs. 3 ozs.; Matilda, 4th, made 927 lbs. 8yi ozs.; more recently 
Bisson's Belle, 31 144 — owned by Maury Jersey Farm, Columbia, Tenn. 
— made 1,028 lbs. 15 ^ ozs. butter in one year, from a yield of 8,412 
lbs. 7 ozs. of milk ; and still more recentlj^, and heading the Jersej' list 
for butter yield in 365 successive days, comes Signal's Lily Flagg, 31035 
— owned by Matthews and Moore, Huntsville, Alabama — with a year's 
record of 1,047 lbs. o^ oz. butter from a yield of 11,339 lbs. milk. 

These records are phenomenal, of course, and represent high feed- 
ing and still higher care, but none the less are they important as show- 
ing the recognized butter value of the Jersey breed. The yield of 
Bisson's Belle is really most remarkable on account of the small j'ield of 
milk reported as producing such an enormous yield of butter A simple 
operation in long division shows that it took, in round numbers, a trifle 
less than 8}( lbs. (about a gallon) of her milk on an average throughout 



JERSEYS. 



129 




130 JERSEVS. 

the entire year to produce a pound of "well-worked, marketable butter, 
salted not heavier than one ounce to the pound." The ratio of butter 
to milk is so remarkable, indeed, that many doubt the record reported, 
and declare it a physical impossibility. Signal's Lily Flagg, the present 
Jersey Queen, averaged throughout the year one pound of butter to a 
trifle less than 10^ lbs. milk. She is certainly a wonderful cow. Her 
record and that of Bisson's Belle were reported in good faith by honor- 
able gentlemen, whose personal integrity cannot be questioned, and we 
see no reason to doubt their published and certified statements. 

It is unfortunate that the breeders of all classes of dairy stock have 
not been able to agree upon at least co-ordinate chemical tests for 
actual butter fat at stated intervals throughout the churn test period. 
Every maker of good butter knows that the churn is but a tool in the 
hands of the churner, and that very many conditions surround to influ- 
ence the churn result. The chemical test can do no harm, and may do 
untold good in checking up the churner, not the churn. In our opinion 
those who fight against the well-known accuracy of tests for butter fat — 
on one excuse or other — are standing in their own most-needed light and 
holding back the wheels of dairy progress. 

The beef capacity of the Jersey breed is small. If sex in offspring 
could be controlled, it might be profitable to breed Jerseys on a large 
scale for their butter feature alone, but since the number of steer calves 
is usually equal to the number of heifers, and since there is always a 
greater or less number of heifers deficient in milking quality, which must 
be fed for the butcher, it is evident that breeding Jerseys for home use — 
not for sale as breeding stock — might prove a losing business. 

The farmer who keeps a few cows, and depends on the annual sale 
of a few fat steers to meet his expenses, demands a breed of larger frame 
and greater aptitude for beef; but in their legitimate sphere, Jerseys must 
always rank deservedly high. 

It is very commonly stated that the bulls of this breed are vicious 
and ill-tempered. We think this opinion is based upon nothing more 
than the fact of their extremely nervous temperament, already referred 
to. They undoubtedly require skillful handling; but when so managed, 
are not more inclined to viciousness than the bulls of other breeds. 
Because there are at present so many Jerseys in the Southern states, 
there has arisen a very popular but erroneous notion that they accli- 
mate with greater safety than cattle of other breeds; the real facts in the 
case are, that at least three of the improved breeds rank ahead of them 
in this respect — their greater number in the South being due to their 
earlier importation, and hence longer period for the breeding of accli- 
mated stock. 

A stud)' of the illustrations, engraved after sketches from life by a 
well-known artist, will give a good idea of this valuable breed. 



Chapter XXIV. 



GUERNSEYS. 

This breed^ having an origin probably identical with that of the 
Jersey, has rapidly but surely increased, both in popularity and inherent 
worth. Near the large cities of the United States, Guernseys are now 
found in considerable numbers, and there is a growing sentiment in their 
favor throughout the entire country. They were introduced into Amer- 
ica about the time of the first Jersey importations, but have not become 
so widely distributed or so generally known. 




IMPORTED GUERNSEY COW, SELECT, 2205. 

Property of J. W. Fuller, Catasauqua, Pa. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

These points may be best studied by comparing them briefly with 
the full description of the Jersey already given. They are larger and 
coarser, being rather inclined to appear bony. Color varies; yellow, 
yellowish or reddish fawn, and brown, of solid colors, frequently with 
considerable spotting of white, and showing the same mealy-colored 
ring — although less marked — about the nostrils. Bones are larger, head 
longer, and general appearance indicative more of utility than beauty. 
She is, like her Jersey sister, a milk and butter cow, and in her place 

131 



132 



GUERXSEY3. 



Total value butter fat 
@ 25 cts.per lb. 


Total cost food 
m soo days. 


Totalprofit 
per co-w. 


S7^ 75- 


S44 70- 


S28.05. 


567.50. 


S48.30. 


$1920- 



ranks as good as the best. The butter made from Guernsey cows is 
claimed to be even more highl_v colored than that from the Jersey. 

A't the New Jersey Agricultural E.xperiment Station the recenth- 
conducted breed tests show very strongly in favor of the Guernsey as a 
profitable dairy cow. placing her ahead of the jersey on a basis of net 
profit, as shown by the followmg summary: 

Total milk Total butter fat 

tnjoo days. in joo days. 

Guernsey, 5,730 lbs. 291 lbs 

Jersey, 5,535 lbs. 270 lbs. 

Of course "one swallow does not make a summer," but the single 
test made as above stated shows that the Guernseys selected for the test 
were superior animals — certainly superior to the Jersej's with which they 
were there compared. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted b}' the American 
Guernsey Cattle Club (_Edward Norton, of Farmington, Conn., secre- 
tary): 

i Skin deep yellow, in ear, on end of bone of tail, at base of 

horn, on udder, teats and body generally 20 

Skin loose, mellow, with fine, soft hair 10 

Escutcheon wide on thighs, high and broad, with thigh ovals. 8 

Milk veins long and prominent 6 

Udder full in front \ 6 

Udder full and well up behind . [- 18* 8 

Udder large but not fleshy . . ) 4 

Udder Teats squarely placed 4 

Udder teats of good size 4 

Size for the breed 5 

Not too light bone i 

Barrel round and deep at flank 4 

Hips and joints wide 2 

Rump long and broad 2 

Thighs and withers thin 2 

Back level to setiing-on of tail 3 

Throat clean, with small dewlap i 

Legs not too long, with hocks well apart in walking .... 2 

Tail long and thin i 

Horns curved and not coarse 2 

Head rather long and fine, with quiet and gentle expression. 3 

General appearance 2 

100 Perfection 100 

* For bulls deduct the 18 points for Udder from above. 



Quality of milk, 30 - 



Quantity and du- 
ration of flow, 40 



Size and substance 
16 



Symmetry 



14 



Of our illustrations we may say, in brief : Imported Select brought 
•with her from the island a record of 22 lbs. 8 ozs. of well-worked and 
salted butter in seven days, and of milk showing 1S.05 per cent, total 
solids, of which 8.og per cent, was fat, with a yield of about 22 \^ quarts 
a day, on a ration of three quarts of crushed oats and three of wheat 



GUERNSEYS. 



133 




134 



GUERNSEYS. 




IMPORTED GUERNSEY COW, JOLIE 2d, 2206. 

Property of J. W. Fuller, Catasauqua, Pa. 

bran a day, and grass. (Select is now dead.) Jolie, 2d, is perhaps the 
best cow in Mr. Fuller's herd, and gives when in full milk 33 quarts per 
day. In 1884 this cow won the first Island prize over her famous half- 
sister, Flukes. Windfall is also a wonderful milker, and although well 
advanced in years, may still be ranked as one of the prime Guernseys in 
America. 

Midas, the pride of Vice President Morton's Ellerslie herd, is a 
magnificent bull, both in blood and individuality, and is justly recog- 
nized as one of the best Guernsey bulls in the world. 




IMPORTED GUERNSEY COW, WINDFALL, 2216. 

Property of J, W. FuLLE'i, Catasauqua, Pa. 



Chapter XXV. 



AYRSHIRES. 

The Ayrshire breed — which takes its name from the count}' " or 
shire of Ayr, Scotland — is of comparatively recent origin ; in Cully's 
work on Live Stock (1790) it is not even mentioned. Alton in 1825 
mentioned it, but described an entirely different animal from the present 
improved Ayshire. Even as late as 1842 Prof. Low closes his history 
of their origin as follows: 

"We may assume, then, from all the evidence which, in the absence o£ authentic 
documents, the case admits of, that the dairy breed o£ Ayrshire owes the characters which 
distinguish it from the older race to a mixture with the blood of races of the continent, 
and of the dairy breed of Alderney." 




g:^^^^?^^^^^tr -^^ 



i^^lP Hmry' 25B2L 



AYRSHIRE BULL, SIR HUGH, 2582. 

Property of H. R. C. Watson, West Farms, N. Y. 

Afterwards, in the same chapter, he gives us a pretty definite idea 
as to how the later improvement was effected in the statement that 
"some breeders in Ayrshire have begun to cross the breed with the 
Shorthorns." Allen (American Cattle) makes a shrewd "guess" as to 
how the improvement was brought about. He says : 

"It could be from no other than the direct cross of small, compact Shorthorn bulls, 
descended from the best milking cows in the northeastern counties of England, on the 

135 



136 AYRSHIRES. 

COWS descended from the Holderness bulls of Lord Marchraont, and their crosses from 
the 'conjectured' Dutch bulls brought in by Mr. Dunlop. From no other race of 
cattle, either Scotch, English or Irish, could the improved Ayshires get their shape, 
color and milking qualities combined." 

They are undoubtedly based on the hardy West Highland or Kyloe 
stock ; that the Alderney or Jersey breed was used in the crosses, would 
appear from the early descriptions given; and that the " guess " made 
by Allen may at least approximate the truth, is evidenced by the present 
appearance of the breed and the gradual change it has made within the 
past 40 or 50 years. 

DESCRIPTION OF MODERN AYRSHIRE. 

Color varies almost as much as in Shorthorns, and is, indeed, very 
much the same — red and white predominating ; but in many individuals 
black hairs scattered through the red give a blue and white color which 
we have never seen among pure Shorthorns. Roans are quite common, 
and roan and white, or patched roans, were formerly very abundant. 
Later breeders, however, require colors, of whatever shade, to be distinct. 

The general outline of the body is similar to that of all milk breeds 
— being light and narrow in front and gradually deepening toward the 
hind quarters. The head is narrow and close fleshed — in the bull wider, 
but still showing the more delicate contour peculiar to bulls of milking 
strains — with bright medium sized eyes, and small horns, showing a 
tendency, among cattle of our acquaintance, to assume more or less ir- 
regular positions ; ears thin and well coated ; neck fine, without dewlap 
— in the bull naturallj' arched ; body deepening toward the flank ; ribs, 
at first flat, arching toward the loin ; loin, hips and rump full and even 
with the back ; tail dropping squarely ; legs straight with rather thin 
twist, and brisket close and firm fleshed. The udder of the A3'shire 
cow is her special peculiarit)' ; it is large but so broad and vertically 
flattened as to appear small ; it spreads out well both in front and to 
rear — divisions strongly marked, with small cylindrical teats, wide apart 
and evenly placed. Her escutcheons are usually of a high order — 
especially the front ovals being well developed, and the milk veins show 
with considerable prominence. 

In general appearance, the Ayrshire of the present day has lost much 
of the lean, ungainly outline once supposed to be necessaril}' co-existent 
with dairy excellence, and assumed a neat, trim, well rounded, though 
not beefy, form, which cannot fail to increase its popularity'. 

CHARACTERISTICS. 

We regard it as a waste of argument to try to convince the public — 
as man}' have attempted — that the A3Tshires are general-purpose ani- 
mals ; they are, and have been, a distinctive class of milk stock, differ- 
ing from all known breeds in the high per cent, of casein or cheesy mat- 



AYRSIIIRES. 



137 







138 



AYRSHIRES. 



ter of the milk. For butter, the Ayrshire has not been classed among 
the best, for the reason that the globules are not equal in size, causing 
the cream to rise unevenly, and injuring the grain of the butter by reason 
of protracted churning ; the use of the centrifugal in cream separation 
practically does away with the first objection, but the second has yet to 
be overcome before they can take high rank as butter producers. In 
quantitjr of milk they excel the Jersey, but fall short of the Holstein- 
Friesian ; the percentage of fat in the milk is good, and, taken in con- 
nection with the large amount of casein, renders the milk from an 
Ayrshire dairy pre-eminent for cheese. 




O^^S-f^P^^^ 



AYRSHIRE COW. 

Property of H. R. C. Watson, West Farms, N. Y. 

Their beef claims must be accepted with some latitude. Unques- 
tionably they produce excellent beef under favorable conditions, but 
there is too great a tendency toward milk to admit of any very marked 
aptitude for fattening. In size they rank with the small breeds — mature 
bulls weighing from 1,200 to 1,500 lbs., and cows from 900 to 1,100 lbs. 

As showing the average yield under ordinary conditions, and with 
verj' light feed, we give the public record of the herd owned by C. M. 
Winslow, Brandon, Vt. : v 

Average of 10 cows for year 1S80, each 6,035 lbs. milk. 



II 


■' 1881, ■ 


• 6,176 


9 '■ 


" 1882, ' 


• 6,672 


75 " 


" 1883, ■ 


■ 6,168 


16 " 


1884. 


' 6,814 


15 ■■ 


■' 1885, 


• 7,025 



AYRSHIRES. 



139 



The following Scale of Points to be used in connection with de- 
scription given was adopted by the Ayrshire Breeders' Association, C. 
M. Winslow, secretary, Feb. 4th, 1885 : 

cows. BULLS. 

10 Head 10 

5 Neck 10 

5 Fore quarters 7 

10 Back 10 

8 Hind quarters 10 

33 "■ Udder 

Scrotum and Rudimentary teats .... 10 

3 Legs 5 

5 Skin and Hair 10 

3 Color 3 

8 Live "Weight 10 

10 General appearance 15 

100 Perfection 100 

Referring to our illustrations : Dutchess of Smithfield, 4256, has 
a record of 10,748 lbs. of milk in one year, and 19 lbs. 6 ozs. butter in 
seven days ; she won first prizes at Rhode Island State Fairs of 1879 tO' 
,r88i ; at Woonsocket, 1879 ; and second prize at New York State Fair 
Jn 1882. Sir Hugh, 2582, won first prize at New York State Fair in 
1882, and second for bull and four of his get, at New York Dairy and 
Cattle Show, 1887. The large engraving — group from the herd of 
Coldren & Lee — shows the variety in color markings common to the 
breed by a predominance of white, and represents a fair sample of the 
excellent herd from which it is taken. 



Chapter XXVI. 



DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 

Natives of Holland, and of a pure black and white color, the}' have 
been frequently described as peculiarly marked Holstein-Friesians. It 
must bs remembered, however, that no matter how closely these two 
Dutch races of cattle may have been related at first, they are now justl}' 
recognized as pure and distinct breeds. 

The original name of the Dutch-Belted cattle, and the one still used 
in Holland is "Lakenfield" cattle — the name having reference to the 
peculiar white belt or sheet passing completely around the bod)'. From 
the first volume of the Dutch-Belted Cattle Herd Book, we quote : 

'■Thsir breeding dates back to beyond the seventeenth century;" 
And again : 

"These cattle were solely controlled by the nobility of Holland, and they are to the 
present time keeping them pure, but are not inclined to part with them" — 

A fact which may account for the comparatively small number found at 
present in America. 

The peculiar color markings of these cattle show an attainment in 
the science of breeding really wonderful. Prof. Low attributes the 
first appearance of the belted marking to a cross between two fixed 
original breeds of opposite color, and this theory is doubtless correct ; 
but to found a breed which will transmit such peculiar points with 
certainty — as do the Dutch-Belted cattle — was a task, the magnitude of 
which is only excelled by the result attained. 

Among the first importers to America were D. H. Haight, of 
Goshen, N. Y. — who made the first importation to the United States in 
1838; W. R. Coleman, and P. T. Barnum — the nation's showman. 
Mr. Barnum says : 

"They struck my fancy in Holland. I imported them, and found their unique and 
singular appearance not their best recommendation, for they are excellent milkers." 

DESCRIPTION AND CH.\R.\CTERISTICS. 

Color, as already mentioned, jet black with a broad band or "belt" 
of purest white passing completely around the bod}'. The milk outline 
is beautifully shown in long head, fine, rather thin neck — well arched in 
bull, but still fine at head, small horns, wide chest, straight back, 
broad, level hips, deep quarters, and square, well-placed udder. In 
size they are somewhat above medium — mature cows weighing from goo 

140 



DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 




1^.2 DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 

to i,20o lbs.; and bulls from i, 600 to 2,000 lbs. They are strong and 
vigorous ; usually kind and docile in disposition, and transmit, with 
great certainty, all their original qualities. 

In addition to the above we give the following standard description, 
combined with Scale of Points, which has been formally adopted by the 
Dutch-Belted Cattle Association of America : 

cows. BULLS. 

8 Color 13 

(Body color black, with a clearly defined continuous white belt. The 
belt to be of medium width, beginning behind the shoulder and 
extending nearly to the hips.) 

6 Head 6 

(Comparatively long and somewhat dishing — broad between the 
eyes ; poll prominent; muzzle fine; dark tongue.) 

4 Eyes and Horns 4 

(Eyes black, full and mild; horns long, compared with their diameter.) 

6 Neck 6 

(Fine and moderately thin, and should harmonize in symmetry with 
the neck and shoulders. ) 

4 Shoulders g 

(Fine at the top, becoming deep and broad as they extend backward 
and downward, with a low chest.) 

10 Barrel 10 

(Large and deep, with well developed abdomen; ribs well rounded 
and free from fat.) 
10 Hips 10 

(Broad, with level chine and full loin.) 

6 Rump 6 

(High, long and broad.) 

8 Hindquarters 8 

(Long and deep, rear line incurving; tail long, thin, tapering to a full 
switch.) 

3 Legs 3 

(Short, clean, standing well apart.) 

20 Udder 

(Large, well developed front and rear; teats of convenient size and 
wide apart ; mammary veins large, long and crooked, entering 
large orifices.) 

Rudimentary teats 10 

(Size and wide-spread placing.) 

2 Escutcheon 2 

3 Hair and Skin 3 

(Fine and soft ; skin of moderate thickness, of a rich dark or yellow 
color.) 

4 Disposition 4 

(Quiet; animal free from excessive fat.) 
6 General condition and constitution 6 

100 Perfection 100 

They are a dairy breed, the cows producing a large quantity of milk, which isabove 
the average in butter content. For beef they are fair, standing fully equal to other 
dairy breeds in this respect. Our illustrations are from the herd of Mr. H. B. Richards 
— the genial secretary of the society and editor of the " Dutch-Belted Cattle Herd 
Book" — and are excellent portraits of his celebrated cow. Lady Aldine, and the bull, 
Edward the Great, now owned, we believe, in Illinois. 



DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 




Chapter XXVII. 



AMERICAN HOLDERNESS. 

The origin and history of this breed are fraught with singular in- 
terest as illustratin'g the peculiar methods used by breeders in fixing type. 

Some fifty or sixty years ago, Mr. Truman A. Cole, of Solsville, 
N. Y. , purchased a cow of imported stock called " Holderness " — origi- 
nally from the. West Riding of Yorkshire, England; she was red and 
white in color, of large size, an excellent milker, and was at the time in 
calf by a bull of the same breed. Her offspring proved to be a male ; 
when this calf was a yearling, he was bred to his own mother, the re- 
sult being a heifer calf, which was afterwards bred to the same bull. 
To put the history of their improvement in a nutshell : Mr. Cole has 
continually and closely in-bred, never admitting a single drop of outside 
blood until he has produced a breed thoroughly fixed in type, and ac- 
curately transmitting even the least of its distinguishing qualities. A 
remarkable change has taken place in their color markings as seen from 
the following 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN HOLDERNESS. 

When first dropped, the sides, neck and head are reddish brown ; 
as they increase in age this color changes to a dark brown or jet black, 
while the white lines on the back and belly remain unchanged from 
birth. The legs correspond in color with the sides, except at the belly 
line, where a white band is thrown across, presenting a novel and at- 
tractive design. (This change from the former Shorthorn colors of the 
Yorkshire cattle can only be accounted for by assuming that the close 
incestuous breeding practiced by Mr. Cole has caused them to revert to 
the colors of their original Dutch ancestry.) 

In size they are nearly equal to the Holstein-Friesians ; and in out- 
line also very similar. The head is neat, close-fleshed, long in the cow 
and shorter in the bull ; horns short and curving forward ; neck fine at 
head — in the bull arching — and well set on at shoulders ; back keeping 
up an even, straight line from the shoulders to the drop of the tail; flanks 
deep ; udder large, broad, well forward, with good-sized teats, placed 
evenly and wide apart. 

They are emphatically a dairy breed, as illustrated by the fact that 
nineteen cows of Mr. Cole's herd — two years old and upwards — actually 
made 5,860 lbs. of butter during the season of 1879 — an average of a 

144 



AMERICAN HOLDERNESS. 



143 




146 AMERICAN HOLDERNESS. 

little over 308 pounds of butter to each cow. Mr. Cole states that he 
could easily have brought up the average to 350 pounds, if he had not 
raised the calves. While not equaling the Holstein-Friesians in quantity 
of milk, they are said to e.xcel them in richness of product for butter. 
Their beef qualities are also good, and taken all in all, we predict for 
them a popular reception in strict keeping with their merits. They are 
bj' no means generally known ; yet they have found a foothold in nearly 
all of the Northern states, and wherever found are rapidly growing in 
favor. 

Our illustrations, better than any description, will give an excellent 
idea of their appearance. Mr. Cole's herd has become justly celebrated ; 
and by his skill and carefulness, he has won for himself a most enviable 
reputation as a patient and painstaking breeder, and as the originator of 
the American Holderness breed. 



AMERICAN HOLDERNESS. 



147 




Chapter XXVIII. 



BROWN SWISS. 

The history of this breed may be given briefly by stating that it has 
been built up step by step from the common bovine ancestry of Switzer- 
land and neighboring countries. Improvement has been effected almost 
solely by selection and light in-breeding, and is most noticeable in those 
districts or "cantons" of Switzerland, like Schwytz, which are peopled 
by progressive, well-to-do farmers — men who have always taken great 
pride in their cattle, and, prompted no doubt by local jealousies, have 
striven, each, to make his herd the best and purest of the race. 

IMPORTATION TO AMERICA. 

In the United States the Brown Swiss have been slow to find pur- 
chasers until within the last few years. The first importation was made 
by H. M. Clarke, of Belmont, Mass., about 1870, since which time sev- 
eral importations have been made, and the demand in the United States 
is now quite active. The Brown Swiss Breeders' Association has been 
organized, and Volume I. of their record appeared in 188 1. N. S. Fish, 
Groton, Conn., is secretary of the association. In the Eastern states 
this breed has alreadj' attained considerable prominence, while in the 
West and South it is little known. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color solid chestnut bronze, somewhat lighter at the back and 
belly line, and showing the same mealy ring at the muzzle, so well 
known as characteristic of the Jerseys. The hoofs, tongue, nose and 
switch of the tail are always black, while the light belly line extends 
more or less over the escutcheon and inner surface of the legs. In size 
they are above medium, mature bulls weighing from 1,700 to 2,100 lbs., 
and cows from 1,100 to 1,300 lbs. The head is large ; horns short and 
waxy, with black tips ; ears Avell covered inside with long, light-colored 
hair ; neck short, with rather heavy dewlap ; legs short and straight, 
with wide thighs and deep quarters, and general outline showing the 
milk breed. The cows have excellent escutcheons, well formed udders, 
and give a good quantity of rich milk. 

The remarkable record of the Brown Swiss cow, Brienz, 168, made 
during the Fat Stock Show, Chicago, 111., Nov. 1891, has brought prom- 

148 



BROWN SWISS. 



149 



,' ^*/^ 







BROWN SWISS BULL, ELMO, 306. 

OwiiLd b> N S Fish Groton Conn 




BROWN SWISS COW, MUATTA, 155. 

Owired by N. S. Fish, Groton, Conn. 



150 BROWN SWISS. 

inently forward the claim of the breed to a position in the front rank for 
butter. Brienz gave in three days 245 lbs. milk, which by the Babcock 
test contained 9.32 lbs. of fat. The first day her yield was 81.05 lbs. of 
milk, containing 3.25 lbs. of fat; and her average was 81.5 lbs. milk, con- 
taining 3. 1 lbs. fat per day, the largest official yield of pure butter fat 
ever made by a cow of any breed, when under show excitement away 
from home. 

As to the ease with which they acclimate in the fever belt, we have 
as yet no information. The cattle are thrifty, mature early and promise 
to find abundant favor in the Western states for the dairy. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the Brown Swiss 
Breeders' Association: 

Head 2 Forward 39 

Face 2 Thighs 4 

Ears I Legs 4 

Nose 2 Tail 4 

Eyes ° I Hide 3 

Horns 5 Color 6 

Neck 4 Fore-udder 10 

Chest 4 Hind-udder 10 

Back ... 6 Teats 5 

Barrel 8 Milk-veins 4 

Hips 4 Escutcheon 7 

Disposition 4 



Forward 39 



Perfection ic 



In judging bulls and heifers, omit the points for Fore-udder, Hind- 
udder and Teats, as above given ; and in color they should be dark 
brown. 

Our illustrations — all originally from photographs — may be ac- 
cepted as accurate representations of the breed. 



BROWN SWISS. 



151 




Chapter XXIX. 



BRITTANY CATTLE. 

From best authority obtainable, this breed of cattle has an origin 
much in common with that of the Holstein-Friesian; difference in cli- 
mate, soil and vegetation having, through years of time, made the dif- 
ference in size and in other respects as now observed. The breed is 
now said to be "native" to the five departments of France which for- 




BRITTANY BULL. 

merly made up the province of Bretagne, and in support of the state- 
ment as to origin, it may be noted, that considerable variation among 
the cattle, as to size and milking capacity, is found in the various local- 
ities of their native province. 

A few have been imported to the United States at various times 
within the last decade, but they are by no means generally known. Mr. 
W. B. Montgomery, of Starkville, Miss, (better known as a breeder of 
Jerseys) has a herd of 12 or 15 cows and two bulls. Writing to the au- 
thor under date August 6, 1888, this gentleman says: 

"They are the hardiest of all the breeds o£ which I have any knowledge, and on 
scant pasturage and poor soil will give better results in the butter dairy than any breed 
with which I am acquainted. On moderately fertile land, and with proper care and atten- 

152 



BRITTANY CATTLE. 



153 



^on Jersey cattle are greatly to be preferred, but the Brittanies, on scant teed and rough 
mountain lands, will prove superior to the Jerseys." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color Clear black and white-almost exactly similar to that of the 
Holstem-Fnesian-the white showing a tendency to appear over shoul- 
ders and hips, and along the belly line; the membrane surrounding the 
tongue IS always white-a mark which may be called a distinguishincr 
characteristic of the breed. 

In size they are classed as small-about equal to the Jersey-mature 
bulls weighing from 1,000 to 1,300 lbs., cows from 650 to 950 lbs The 
head and neck are fine, even delicate, with little or no dewlap The 
horns small, always black at the tips, and sometimes black throughout 
rather longer than Jersey horns, and approaching more nearly those oj 
the Devon in curvature ; the back is even, chest large, and haunch and 
buttock bones wide apart. The legs are well proportioned to size of 
body hair fine and short, and skin mellow and of medium thickness. 

The Brittany cows are strictly dairy animals, giving a good quantity 
of rich milk and are claimed to give a greater yield on scant grazing 
han cows of any other breed. Much allowance must be made for ex^ 
trayagant claims of partisan breeders, yet we believe the Britanny breed 
will find, m our districts of less fertility, ample favor with tho.^e best 
quahfied to judge. 

Our illustrations were re-engraved, by permission, from lithographs 
used by the Department of State in the recently issued volume of Con- 
sular Reports on Cattle and Dairy Farming-and were originally from 
photographs taken in France. ^ 




BRITTANY COW. 



Chapter XXX. 



KERRY CATTLE. 

This breed — the only one of any prominence native to Ireland — 
has of late years found its way to America, and is attracting considerable 
attention. In the volume of Consular Reports on Cattle and Dairy Farm- 
ing, previously mentioned, Mr. Gumbleton refers to the " Kerry Cattle, 
which are very pretty (small in size and black) and very good milkers." 
Mr. Richard Good says the Kerries "are attracting more attention than 
they did formerly, owing to the ease with which they are managed ; " and 
that "they are particularly suited to mountain districts, which would 
not properly feed Shorthorns." It may be here stated that the County 
of Kerry, whence they derive the name, is the most mountainous, as it is 
the most western, portion of the island. The Kerries form as nearly an 
aboriginal breed as possible, tracing back to the wild "Forest" stock, 
and showing the stages of improvement all through their histor}'. 

Within the last three years, several small importations have been 
made to the United States. The largest of which we have any know- 
ledge, numbering eleven head, was made by Mr. Edward Kemp, of the 
well-known firm of Lanham & Kemp, of New York cit}', in 1886. 

Mr. Kemp is proprietor of the "Locust Farm," Rumson Neck, 
New Jersey, where his Kerries, Holstein-Friesians and Hambletonians 
are now kept. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHAR.4CTERISTICS. 

Color black, but this is only a fashionable point of the last 10 or 
15 years, so that black and white — "line backs" — and even reds are 
still found. Low, in 1842, described them as "generally black, with a 
white ridge along the spine ; " he further says that a white streak along 
the belly was common, and other colors, such as brown, red and spotted 
were met with. Breeders are now strictly adhering to the black coats, 
and will in time eliminate all other colors. 

In size, the Kerr}' cattle are small, mature bulls weighing 800 to 
1,100 lbs., and cows from 600 to 800 lbs. The head is small, with long 
clean muzzle and thin lips ; eye expressive ; horns fine, short and white 
— "middle horns" — usually turning upward; neck fine at head and 
well set on to deep but narrow shoulders ; body gradually deepens to 
the flank, but the rump is narrow and the thighs light. The dewlap is 
rather scant, and the brisket small and close fleshed ; legs are neat and 

154 



KERRY CATTLt. 



155 



II I nil II I im II I 




156 KERRY CATTLE. 

fine, but rather long, and the tail slender and dropping squarely. The 
hair is rather long and thick, but the skin is mellow, with good handling 
properties. In general appearance the Kerries are neat, small-sized 
dairy animals, showing the typical milk wedge, and possessing the quiet 
disposition so essential to dairy excellence. 

They are bred exclusively for milk, and their partisans claim for 
them an unrivalled production on scanty hill or mountain ranges. To 
explain their dair}' worth in more definite manner, we appropriate from 
the weekly edition of the National Live Stock Jou>-nal, of Chicago 
— issue of July 24, 1888 — the following clipping, referring to four 
Kerry cows, which were recently entered at The Royal Counties Show : 

"One o£ the four was reserve number, and very highly commended, and another 
commended ; moreover, it will be seen by the following figures that the 'reserve' Kerry 
gave more butter in proportion to quantity of milk than even the first or second prize 
cows, though one of them was a Jersey. The first prize cow, a Shorthorn, gave 2 galls. 2 
pints of milk, yielding i lb. 3_J4 ozs. butter ; the second prize, a Jersey, gave 3 galls. 3^ 
pints of milk, yielding i lb. 4 ozs. butter ; the Kerry, very highly commended and re- 
serve, gave 2 gallons of milk, yielding i lb. i^ ozs. butter." 

Nothing is said as to conditions or food for the three cows men- 
tioned, but we may reasonably infer that these points were made as 
nearl}' equal as possible. 

The Kerries are certainly hardy for more northern latitudes, but we 
can say nothing as to their acclimation in the South. The "Dexter" 
strain of Kerry cattle has been quite extensively fostered, and we men- 
tion briefly the points of difference ; it gets the name from that of its 
founder, who is supposed to have changed the type by selection. The 
head is coarser ; horns thicker and more nearly straight ; the body 
round and blocky, and the legs short and thick. 



Chapter XXXI. 



SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 

The origin of this valuable breed has always been a subject of more 
or less dispute — ardent admirers of the Shorthorn claiming an almost 
unbroken line of pure descent, and improvement solely by careful selec- 
tion, feeding and management ; others, perhaps partisans of other 
breeds, claiming that whatever improvement has been made, and in fact, 
whatever excellence the breed might possess, has been brought about by 
judicious but stealthy crosses with superior individuals of other breeds. 
That there was a time when the Shorthorn ancestry were only native 
cattle, even the most earnest advocates of their purity must admit ; but 
it is also true, that, if there have been any radical out-crosses since the 
breed became definitely known as such, they have been exceedingly 
stealthy ones. 

EARLY HISTORY. 

Their probable history begins with the cattle of the mainland of 
Europe, in the provinces bordering on the Baltic and North Seas. 
These cattle possessed many of the qualities now claimed by Shorthorns, 
including color and size ; but there was a general disposition toward 
excellence in milking qualities rather than the full, rounded, symmetri- 
cal, beef outline of a majority of modern Shorthorns as bred for range 
improvement in the Western states. 

Prior to the conquest of England by William of Normandy, the 
northern and eastern portion was occupied by Danes and other warlike 
races from the mainland. These people did not confine their operations 
to war and pillage alone, but, while holding the eastern coastline of the 
island, established a considerable trade in merchandise and agricultural 
products to and from the mainland. In this way, it is claimed, were the 
Shorthorn progenitors introduced into England ; and what renders the 
claim more probable, is the fact that the first Shorthorns were found in 
and confined to those counties or shires lying along the northern and 
eastern boundaries. 

IMPROVEMENT. 

As early as 1740, permanent records were kept by the more careful 
breeders ; and, according to Mr. Bates, there were fine Shorthorns upon 
the estate of the Earl of Northumberland as early as the year 1600. Mr. 
Millbank, of Barningham, and Sir William St. Quintin, of Scampston, 

157 



158 SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 

were among the early noted breeders previous to 1750, but it was not 
until the Colling Bros, began raising them for profit that the Shorthorns 
obtained anything like general notice or favor. They established them- 
selves about 1780— Chas. Colling at Ketton and his brother Robert at 
Barmpton, both places near Darlington, on the river Tees. While 
keeping their herds distinct, they worked more or less together, freely 
interchanging the use of their bulls. The method pursued by them was 
to select the best animals, male and female, that could be found among 
neighboring and even quite distant breeders, breed them together, keep- 
ing up the best conditions as to food and management, and carefully in- 
breeding to fix the t3'pe. (By the term in-breeding, which we have fre- 
quently used, is meant the breeding together of animals more or less 
closely related ; the object being to perpetuate certain characteristics, 
■common to both parents, in the offspring. While very valuable if care- 
fully used, the principle of in-breeding is dangerous if carried to ex- 
tremes, and should be used lightly unless by the most skillful breeders.) 
Early in their history (1786) Chas. Colling purchased, for $42, the 
bull Hubback ; he proved a most excellent stock-getter, and now ranks 
as one of the most celebrated bulls in Shorthorn history. In 1810, 
Comet — the direct offspring of Bolinbroke and Phoenix, and a lineal 
descendant of Hubback — was sold for $5,000, showing to what extent 
these cattle had advanced both in merit and popular favor. After Col- 
ling Bros., in point of time, came Thos. and Richard Booth and Thomas 
Bates. These men secured their stock from Colling, but while Booth 
Bros, persisted in breeding for beef, and the full, rounded points so much 
•admired for the butcher's block. Bates was carefully selecting and breed- 
ing with main reference to milking qualities. Thus it happened that 
Shorthorn improvement was started in two parallel but distinctlj' dif- 
ferent lines. From these two main lines of improvement, the tastes 
of different individuals have given rise to numberless "strains" or 
"families" all having the same general characteristics, but differing in 
color, beef and milk qualities, or other particulars. 

EARLY IMPORTATION INTO THE UNITED STATES. 

It is probable that importations were made very soon after the close 
of the Revolutionary War with England, as cattle answering the descrip- 
tion of Shorthorns were found in Virginia as earl)? as 1790, and in 1797 
some of these cattle were taken across the line to Kentucky' b}^ a Mr. 
Patton, soon becoming quite well-known as the " Patton Stock. " Au- 
thentic importations were made direct from England by Mr. Cox in 1816 ; 
by Col. Lewis Sanders and Brutus J. Claj', both of Kentucky, in 181 7 ; 
and from this time on importations on a small scale were quite frequent. 
In 1834-5-6, Shorthorns were brought over in considerable numbers b\- 
a company made up for this purpose among breeders in the Scioto ^'al- 



SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 



159 




l6o SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 

ley in Ohio, and acting through an agent who was supplied with almost 
unlimited funds. The first introduction of the celebrated Duchess strain 
was made about 1840, by a Mr. Vail of Troy, N. Y. , who secured a bull 
and a heifer direct from the herd of Thomas Bates. Among the earlier 
noted breeders in America, we may mention Samuel Thorne, of Thorne- 
dale, N. Y., and R. J. Ale.xander, of Kentucky — the latter a Scotch noble- 
man, who purchased the Woodburn estate of 3,000 acres, and used his 
annual income of $80,000 to establish and maintain a model American 
herd of Shorthorns. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Widely varying in color, we find almost all markings except black, 
brown and brindled; in some families pure, deep cherry red, in others 
snowy white, and between these two extremes are red and white in all 
grades as to size and arrangement of spots — red roan, white roan, roan 
and white, and speckled or " turkey" roan. In size the Shorthorn ranks 
among the largest of known breeds, bulls of mature age ranging from 
I, goo to 2,300 lbs., and cows from 1,200 to 1,600 lbs., with occasional 
individuals considerably exceeding these figures. The general form is 
square with well-filled points, straight back, keeping the line even and 
well up at the rump; quarters deep and full, but not bulging; ribs well 
sprung, giving a wide back and rounded barrel ; muzzle clear orange yel- 
low (in some families, light drab); wide open nostrils, and rather thin- 
fleshed lips; eyes clear, bright and surrounded by rings of orange col- 
ored flesh ; horns clear or cream-flecked, short and usually curving in- 
ward; ears thin and delicate, showing clear orange wax; neck short and 
fine in the cow — in the bull heavy, and rising with age; back level; loin 
full; buttocks wide apart; tail small just above the brush; brisket wide 
and full; and legs close, fine boned and well-proportioned to size of 
body. 

The Shorthorns are emphatically general purpose animals, although 
perhaps, the majority of breeders persist in classing them with the purel)' 
beef breeds. When selected and bred for milk, they are exceedingly 
valuable as dairy stock, but it must be admitted that the general tend- 
ency to breed and feed for show has greatly increased their beef capacity 
at the expense of milking qualities. In some of the strains or families 
— as notabl}' the Princess and Duchess strains — the dairy features have 
been carefully preserved, and even among the most pronounced beef 
families, an occasional excellent dairy cow will be found. 

The American Shorthorn Breeders' Associatioh (J. H. Pickrell, of 
Chicago, secretary) has never adopted any standard Scale of Points for 
the animal. Their adaptabilit}' seems not so great as that of some other 
breeds; they find their most congenial home and give best returns for 
investment in latitudes of the more central and northern United States. 



SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 



i6i 




l62 SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 

In the Soutbern states — comprising what is known as the "fever belt" 
— they have not proved easy to accbmate, averaging a high percentage 
of mortabty when brought into this region. Good animals, old enough 
for service, and recorded in the American Herd Book, can be obtained 
at from $ioo to $200 of any responsible breeder. 

The individuals so well represented by our illustrations need no in- 
troduction to any one familiar with Shorthorns. They are represental 
tive animals of the strains to which they belong, and their breeders are 
men of unquestioned integrity'. 



Chapter XXXII. 



RED-POLLED CATTLE. 

The Red-Polls, while tracing their history well back into the last 
■century, have only recently attracted any considerable attention. Their 
origin is somewhat clouded in obscurity. Suffolk county, England, had 
from very early times a breed of polled cattle, and it is more than prob- 
able that this Suffolk breed had much to do with moulding the type of, 
and dehorning the Norfolk breed, which was the first to attract attention 
from outside parties. From their general resemblance to the Devons 
(excepting horns) we would look for a common ancestry somewhere in 
the early history of the breeds. Marshall, in his Rural Economy of Nor- 
folk, states that the breed of Norfolk, about 1780, was a "Herefordshire 
breed in miniature," and that the color was " blood-red, with a white or 
mottled face." He further traces the changes of the breed, by crosses 
with Suffolk bulls, stating in substance that size was increased and form 
improved. To trace the origin further, it would be necessary to go back 
of the old polled Suffolk breed, and bring up the question as to how the 
various breeds of hornless cattle were established in their peculiar fea- 
ture. We need only say in this connection that polled animals were found 
in most portions of the British Islands from time immemorial. Accord- 
ing to Youatt, there seem to have been two distinct breeds of aboriginal 
cattle occupying the central and northern portions of the British Island ; 
■one of these had medium horns, while the other had none; from the first 
were probably produced the Devon, Hereford, Sussex and West High- 
land cattle, while as a continuation of the second, we have now the Gal- 
loways, Angus and Suffolk and Norfolk Reds — the latter now collectively 
called Red-Polls. 

Improvement of the breed has been steadily carried forward — the 
Suffolks dehorning, while the Norfolks were firmly fixing the blood-red 
color mentioned by Marshall — and both breeds came gradually nearer 
a common standard, until, abouv the middle of the present century, 
breeders from both counties began to meet in honest competition, and 
select their breeding animals with reference to perpetuating the red color 
and the hornless trait. In 1874, Mr. H. F. Euren, of Norwich, succeeded 
in establishing the English Red-Polled Herd Book, and through the stim- 
ulus thus applied, these cattle have since been making rapid strides to- 
ward perfection. In 1883, the American Red-Polled Cattle Society 

163 



164 



RED-POLLED CATTLE. 




RED-POLLED CATXLE. 



165 




l66 RED-POLLED CATTLE. 

(j. C. Murray, of Maquoketa, Iowa, secretary) was organized, and twO' 
volumes of the Herd Book have already appeared. The first importation 
was made in 1873 by G. F. Taber, Patterson, N. Y., since which time 
many have been brought in, and more bred, until we have in the United 
States at present writing some 1,800 or 1,900 head. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color a deep rich red, with only the brush of the tail white, oc- 
casionally white on the udder in cows, but this, while not regarded as an 
absolute disqualification, is not favored. Size above medium, mature 
bulls weighing from 1,700 to 2,100 lbs., and cows from 1,100 to 1,400 
lbs. The head is neat, with a tuft of hair curling over the narrow frontal 
points, and a light-colored, clear-cut muzzle. The neck is clean and 
fine, with little dewlap ; ribs springing — not broadly arched, but filling 
the demand for rounded outline of barrel ; legs clean, fine and short. 
In the cow the udder should be large, but not meaty ; when empty 
it should hang in creases or folds ; milk veins should be prominent, and 
knotted or puffed. 

It must be confessed that most of the modern breeders of Red-Polls 
have been too intent on securing size and beauty of contour to preserve, 
as carefully as they should, the really valuable dairy qualities of the 
breed. If a change be not made in this direction, we shall soon be com- 
pelled to say of them, as we might now say of the Shorthorns, that they 
were originally excellent dairy stock, but have been greatly injured by 
the pernicious custom of feeding high for the show ring. 

Red-Polls are, in general appearance, hornless Devons (see also 
illustrations), and they are bred and advertised as general purpose cattle. 
They are claimed, and we think fairly, to be the rivals of the Shorthorns 
for general use in the western United States. As to their adaptability in 
the fever belt of the South, we cannot speak to a certainty, frpm the 
fact of there having been so few importations to this region. Thej' are 
quiet, good feeders, easy to handle and ship, and — as all must admit — at- 
tractive in color and form. If the Red-Polls are carefully bred, we may 
expect to see them grow rapidly in public favor, and secure on their 
merits high rank as a combined milk and beef breed. 

In view of the present increase of the practice of dehorning, we may 
be pardoned for saying, that among the bulls of the established polled 
breeds now in America the advocates of surgical dehorning will cer- 
tainly find more formidable rivals than have hitherto appeared in print. 



Chapter XXXIII. 



DEVONS. 

Lying south of the Bristol Channel, on the map of England, may 
be found the county or shire of Devon. Much of its physical geograph}', 
as also that of the county adjoining it on the west, Cornwall, presents 
characteristics strikingly similar to that of Wales — indeed, the people of 
these lower western counties were as safe from Roman incursions 
behind the vast forests which covered the alluvial deposits of lower 
England, as were the people of Wales in their rugged mountain fast- 
nesses. As a result of this immunity from invasion, the wild or "White 
Forest" breed of cattle described by Low increased greatly in numbers, 
and, in the counties named, became more or less subject to partial 
domestication. 

In Wales, we have at present the North Wales and Pembroke 
breeds as undoubted descendants of these wild cattle ; and in the shire 
of Devon, occupying more especially its northern slope, has existed for 
generations the ancestry of the Devon breed — familiarly known in Eng- 
land as the "North Devons " to distinguish them from the cattle occu- 
pying the low lands of Devon and the counties to the east. That the 
breed is of remarkably pure descent is attested by the wonderful impres- 
siveness in marking offspring. Surely no breed of modern improved 
cattle has a better claim to be called aboriginal than this. As their 
merits became known, they were gradually distributed to other and 
more northern counties, and the demand thus found to exist induced a 
more systematic effort toward improvement. Within the present 
century their size has been increased, beef capacity improved, and 
milking qualities especially advanced. The Earl of Leicester was 
among the most noted of early English breeders, followed by Lord 
Somerville and Lord Western, who were not only breeders but did 
much, also, to improve the quality of the animals bred. 

Their introduction to America dates from a very early period, a 
few head of what were undoubtedly Devons being brought over in the 
ship Charity (1623) for a Mr. Winslow, of Massachusetts. In 1817, how- 
ever, probably the first authentic importation of pure bred improved 
Devons was made by a Mr. Patterson, of Baltimore, direct from the herd 
of the Earl of Leicester (at that time Mr. Coke, of Holkham). The next 
year (1818) a few were imported to Long Island from Mr. Coke's herd. 

167 



l68 DEVON'S. 

Other importations were made from time to time, notably in 1836, b)' 
Mr. Vernon, of New York state, and in 1S53 by L. G. Morris, also of 
New York. Since that time, the Devons have been widely distributed 
throughout the United States, and have taken a settled place among the 
popular bleeds of the country. 

DESCRIPTION OF MODERN IMPROVED DEVON. 

Color a rich, deep red throughout, excepting a central tuft of long 
white hair in the brush of the tail, and a white spot on the udder in 
cows, and about the purse in bulls. Upper line almost perfectly 
Straight from the head to the tail ; in the bull, the neck is of course 
somewhat arched above this level. The head is neat and trim, rather 
long in the cow but short and masculine in the bull, and well poin.ted to 
a bright flesh-colored muzzle ; eyes prominent, bright, wide apart, and 
encircled by rings of flesh-colored skin ; horns rather long, slender, curv- 
ing outward, forward and upward, waxj' clear at base, and tapering to 
almost needle-like points of darker shade. The ear is sprightly; neck 
small at head, without dewlap, and full and broad at the shoulders; fore- 
quarters wide apart, showing good lung power, and slanting well back, 
a feature in strict keeping with their well-known activity. The barrel is 
round and close-muscled ; loins even ; hips square ; rump smooth ; tail 
long, slender, and invariably tipped with white ; flank low cut ; brisket 
deep, and legs short, straight and clean fleshed. We believe the above 
to be a just and fair description of the breed as now known in the 
United States, and to show the improvement which has taken place, we 
quote the following from Low's Domestic Animals of Great Britain 
(previously quoted), published 1842 ; 

" Although the Devon ox presents a symmetry of parts which pleases the eye, yet 
his form is not precisely what the breeder seeks for in an animal destined to fatten 
quickly and arrive at great weight. His neck is too long, his chest too narrow, his sides 
are too flat, his limbs are too long in proportion to his body ; or, in other words, his body 
is too small in proportion to his height. The Devon ox is a kindly enough feeder, but he 
requires good pasture, and a somewhat favorable climate, and could barely subsist on 
food which would suffice to fatten some of the hardier mountain breeds of nearly his 
own size." 

The following Scale of Points adopted by the American Devon Cat- 
tle Club (L. P. Sisson, Wheeling, W- Va., secretary) is now in general 
use : 

cows. BULLS. 

8 Head 10 



Cheek 2 

4 Neck 4 

4 Shoulders 6 

8 Chest 10 

8 Ribs 10 

16 ' . Back 20 

48 Forward 62 



169 



m 



c 




170 DEVONS. 

COWS. BULLS. 

48 ... Forward 62 

8 Hind quarters 12 

20 Udder 

2 Tail 2 

4 Legs 4 

8 Skin 8 

2 . Size 4 

8 General appearance 8 

100 Perfection 100 

CHARACTERISTICS 

Probably the most prominent trait of the Devon is his sprightly 
energy. In the early daj's of the present century, when the fertile 
prairies of the Great West held their virgin soil unbroken, the farmers 
of New England found abundant exercise in removing the stones, 
stumps and saw logs with which their land was covered. For this pur- 
pose oxen were employed almost exclusively, and the grades from those 
early imported Devons were eagerly sought. The writer has in mind 
an amusing incident related by his father concerning a yoke of grade 
Devon steers, which, for two good miles, in response to the fun-loving 
spirit of their 3'outhful driver, succeeded in keeping behind them a span 
of fine carriage horses belonging to a neighbor, and 'driven bj- the 
neighbor's son. 

As work oxen, the Devons have no superior in the world ; the}' lack, 
perhaps, the weight necessary to move enormous loads, but their remark- 
able quickness, combined with an intelligent observance of the driver's 
will, make them invaluable for work of certain kinds. For beef, little 
recommendation is needed ; the improvement of the breed has, with 
many breeders, been almost entirely in this direction. Allen, in his 
valuable treatise on American Cattle (previously quoted), after speaking 
of the excellent milk qualities of the cows in a herd of Devons owned 
by him, says : 

" It is but fair to say, however, that after we commenced crossing our cows with 
bulls of later importation, some 15 years after the commencement of the herd, the large 
milkers were not so numerous, although the cattle from these crosses were somewhat 
finer. The bulls we used were apparently bred from stocks highly improved with an 
effort more to develop their feeding properties than for the dairy." 

We are glad to note that not all of our Devon breeders have fol- 
lowed these points so closely as to lose sight of the capabilities of the 
breed for dairy purposes, and, in this connection, quote the following 
from the report of Wm. Brown, Professor of Agriculture in the Ontario 
(Canada) Agricultural College, for 1886 : 

"Of this distinctly intermediate class of cattle CDevons). milk and beef combination, 
we have to repeat the observation that none can make better calves, few so content and 
hardy, and but one richer in dairy product. The Devon has not held the world's patron- 



DEVONS. 



171 




172 DEVONS. 

age because o£ under size, and possibly also, of moderation in maturing and milk 
quantity, but it is difficult to conceive of a more desirable cow on upland rangy pastures 
for the butter factory." 

A most excellent step was taken by the Devon breeders when the 
so-called " Red-Letter" Registry was adopted. The plan follows that of 
the Holstein-Friesian Association's "Advanced Registry," and is de- 
signed to stimulate actual performance of Devon cows in the dairy as 
well as higher scaling by the score card, certifying beef or feeding form 
improvement. The following sj'nopsis of requirements for Red-Letter 
registration will best indicate the purpose and explain the objects of the 
club in adopting this feature: 

"I. All animals must be recorded in American Devon Record. 

" 2, No bull is eligible unless first dam is in Red-Letter Register. 

" 3. No bull under two years old is eligible. 

"4. A bull, to be eligible, must score at least 80 points in the Devon Scale. 

" 5. A cow to be eligible must score at least 80 points in the Devon Scale. 

"6. A cow under three years old must have made not less than seven pounds of 
well-worked butter in seven days, and show a yield of at least one pound butter fat in one 
day, as determined by chemical test. 

"7. A cow over three and under four years old must yield S^( lbs, butter in seven 
days and 1 1^ lbs. butter fat in one day. 

"8. A cow four years old and over must yield io^4 'bs. butter in seven days and 
i}4 lbs. butter fat in one day. 

' ' g. Bulls and cows may be scored at any time after two years old. 
' ' 10. Scorers must be officially appointed by the club." 

The Devons are probably as nearly general purpose animals as may 
be found among the present known breeds. In size they are medium, 
bulls when matured weighing from 1,200 to 1,600 lbs., and cows from goo 
to 1, 100 lbs. One thing more we must notice — their introduction into the 
Southern states. In Mr. Allen's work, the author intimates that the 
Devon acclimates unusually well in the South. We cannot agree with 
him; information from various portions of the South has shown a high 
proportion of mortality among Devons brought from the North, only one 
breed — Shorthorns — showing a greater average per cent, of loss. To 
counterbalance this, however, it is a well-known fact that the Devons 
when acclimated will thrive and keep in good condition on scant pasture 
where many other improved breeds would starve to death. This high 
per cent, of mortality in acclimating Devons may be due to the unnat- 
ural forcing which the breed has undergone of late years m the hands of 
unskillful breeders, as it is well known among successful importers of 
Northern cattle that the introduction of over-fed or pampered stock 
from the North is apt to result fatally to both profits and cattle. 

There are now a goodl)' number of fine herds of Devons in the South, 
and their certain increase, both in numbers and favor, is fast becoming 
an accomplished fact. 



Chapter XXXIV. 



LONGHORNS. 

These cattle, so Httle known at present in the United States, have 
their origin in the district of Craven, England. Probabl}' the Irish 
Longhorns, mentioned by Youatt, were identical with the English 
breed, and for many years were bred in parallel lines. 

When Bakewell (see also Leicester sheep) took hold of the breed, 
he found it already somewhat improved, but there can be no doubt that 
a large proportion of whatever merit or popularity the English Long- 
horns once possessed was due to his wonderful skill as a breeder. His 
methods were kept secret, and his ability considered extraordinary ; 
but, to state the case plainly, we have no doubt that many of our mod- 
ern improvers and breeders possess just as much ability, and are pro- 
ducing just as great results. 

Concerning their importation to America, we can say little. A few 
head were imported into Kentucky as early as 1817, but they were 
crossed with the Shorthorns and soon lost sight of. We know of but 
one other importation, although several are said to have been made at 
different times. In 1872 or 1873, the writer attended the Iowa State 
Fair, then held at Cedar Rapids, in Linn county ; there was exhibited 
a herd of some four or five cows and a bull of the genuine English 
Longhorns ; they were marked somewhat similar to the modern Here- 
ford, with white faces and lined backs and bellies ; their sides, however, 
were of a dun or light red, almost a yellow, and on one or two individ- 
uals patches, of brindle and roan were visible. We do not remember 
the name of the exhibitor, nor have we since been able to locate the 
herd. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

We describe as we remember them, and find that our observations 
agree with the description given by Allen (American Cattle). Size 
equal to Shorthorn or Hereford ; color dun or yellowish fawn, some- 
times red, brindled or roan, with frequently white faces and white lines 
on back and belly. Their distinguishing feature lies in the peculiar 
horns, which are long, ungraceful, curving forward and downward, 
sometimes crossing under the jaws, and frequently requiring amputa- 
tion to prevent a threatened puncture of the muzzle. 

They were claimed to be general purpose animals, but with especial 

173 



174 



LONGHORNS. 




LONGHORNS. 175 

tendency to milk, and were exhibited as would-be rivals of the Short- 
horns — at that time in the height of popular favor. Their general ap- 
pearance was very like the description given of the earlier unimproved 
Herefords, and this, with the similarity in their markings, would lead us 
to suppose, that they may have originally sprung from the same 
channel. 

Our illustration was re-engraved by permission, expressly for this 
purpose, from a lithograph made for the Department of State, and was 
originally from a photograpn. 



Chapter XXXV. 



NORMANDIE CATTLE. 

From the report of United States Consul Williams, of Rouen, we 
clip the following : 

" The origin of the Norman breed seems unknown; in fact, has never been traced. 
It is considered that the nature of the soil has produced the breed. It seems to have 
changed very little in the last century and is very remarkable. The center of production 
of this fine breed is comprised in the departments of Eure, Manche, Calvados and 
Orne." 

The above, while not very definite information, is the best we have 
been able to obtain regarding the origin of Normandie cattle. As the 
breed grows in favor, doubtless some one will be encouraged to more 
extended — and, we trust, more successful — search for their early 
history. 

Improvement has been slow but constant, and has been brought 
about by care in selection and management. Attempts to improve the 
breed have been made by crossing with Shorthorn or Durham blood, re- 
sulting — as might be expected — in a more rounded contour, but de- 
creasing at the same time the milking value and fixedness of t3'pe : in 
fact, producing that most unreliable of all animals for breeding pur- 
poses — a cross. For beef the Normandie is undoubtedly improved by 
the use of bulls of any of our best beef breeds ; but when we say this, 
we have neither added to the claims of one, nor detracted from the 
merits of the other. 

Importations to the United States have been few, and only during 
recent years. The first of which we have any knowledge was made in 
1885, by Mr. J. C. Duncan, of Normal, 111. Regarding this importa- 
tion, Mr. Levi Dillon writes under date August 20, 1887 : 

"* * * * He [Mr. Duncan] imported from France two years ago, one 
Normandie bull and one Normandie cow ; they are registered, both recorded in France. 
They are brindle in color, and are noted for their great milking qualities as well as for 
their beef qualities. They are said to be the equal of the Jerseys as milkers, and the 
equal of the Shorthorns as beef cattle. I am not a cattle man, but our leading cattle 
men here speak highly of these cattle. * * * * Combining, as they do, 
the good qualities of the Jersey and the Shorthorn, I believe they are the coming 
cattle of this country . " 

Another small importation was made to New York city in 1S86, and 
one to Chicopee, Mass., in 1887. Probably others have been made of 
which we are not aware. 

176 



NORMANDIE CATTLE. 



177 



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NORMANDIE CATTLE. 




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NORMANDIE CATTLE. I7g 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color brown, roan and red or spotted — varying considerably as to 
marking, but never failing to preserve the brown stripes peculiar to the 
breed, which have earned for them the term "brindled." The head is 
long and coarse, with large mouth — fit emblem of an enormous appetite. 
The horn is irregular, commonly twisted and curved toward the fore- 
head ; the body long and deep at the flank, with rather narrow hind 
parts, showing an escutcheon well marked for milk. The legs are short 
and the skin rather thick and heavy. 

The Normandie cow is classed as a combined milk and beef 
animal, with tendency more towards milking excellence, especially in 
the Cotentine strain of Normandies. In size they rank with the large 
breeds, mature bulls weighing from i,8oo to 2,200 lbs., cows from 1,100 
to 1,500 lbs. The illustrations were re-engraved by permission from 
lithographs made for the Department of State, and were originally from 
photographs taken in France. . 



Chapter XXXVI. 



NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. 

(^Anglesea. ) 

As a separate and distinct breed, this race of cattle has re- 
ceived attention only of late years. Descended from the same 
original stock (the wild Forest breed of Wales and West England) 
as are the Pembrokes or Castle Martins of South Wales, and par- 
taking largely of the same general appearance, they yet show de- 
cidedly different characteristics, which, by right, stamp them as a 
separate breed. 

Of the gentlemen in Wales who have been so active]}' advanc- 
ing the interests of Anglesea cattle, we can make only brief men- 
tion ; they well deserve more extended notice. Col. Henry Piatt, 
of Gorddinogg, Bangor; Lord Harlech, of Glyn Hall, Talsarnau; 
R. B. Smith, Esq., of Tynewydd, Bangor, and the editor and 
honorary secretary (now deceased) of the association, Wm. A. Dew, 
have been among the most active workers. 

Only one importation of which we are aware has been made to 
America. In 1885, Mr. J. B. Warren, of Larchwood, la., imported 13 
head for the Larchwood estate. Answering our inquiries, under date 
Sept. 12, 1887, this gentleman says: 

"We have had our herd for the last 18 months, and are prepared to say that they 
are a very large breed, quite as large as the Shorthorns, and much hardier. They are 
excellent milkers, are very docile and thrifty. Last year most of our cows ran out until 
the middle of January, and were at that time in much better condition than the natives." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color black, with occasionally white about the udder in cows and 
scrotum in bulls; all other spots of white, while not necessarily a mark 
of impurity, are discouraged, and will soon no doubt be known only as 
an occasional reversion. The hair is long, fine and wav}'; head rather 
large; neck medium; quarters full, and general outline approaching very 
nearly that of the Devons. In size they are classed with the larger 
breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1,800 to 2,200 lbs., and cows from 
1,100 to I, 500 lbs. The Earl of Cawdor, whose answer is published in a 
report to the Department of State, goes still higher, and places the "live 
weight of the bulls 24 cwt. ; oxen, 22 cwt. ; cows, 18 cwt. " The horns 

iSo 



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NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. 183 

of the North Wales cattle are middle sized, long and yellowish, with 
darker tips ; the legs are short, and waste portions of the body gene- 
rally are reduced to a low percentage. Their dairy qualities on an aver- 
age are counted good — an ordinary herd yielding annually from 125 to 
150 pounds of butter to the cow, and occasional herds are found which 
considerably exceed these figures. 

The partisans of the breed claim for them a rank equal to the 
highest as a combined milk and beef breed ; we are willing to file the 
claim, and shall give them ample time to prove it. The establishment 
of the North Wales Black Cattle Herd Book — the first volume of which 
appeared in 1883, and the second volume in 1886 — will doubtless do 
much toward improving and keeping pure this really valuable breed of 
stock. 



Chapter XXXVII. 



PEMBROKE CATTLE. 

{"Castle Martins," or Black Cattle uf South Wales.') 

Although we know of no Pembrokes in the United Statas, we insert 
the chapter on account of the close relationship between this breed and 
the Black Cattle of North Wales. Until within a score of years, the 
Pembroke breed has included all of the black mountain cattle of Wales. 
From the report of the Hon. Stephen B. Packard, United States Con- 
sul at Liverpool, we quote : 

' ' There are two breeds of cattle in Wales. The North Wales breed [see North 
Wales Black Cattle] is found in greatest perfection in Anglesea and Caernarvonshire. 
The South Wales breed was called "Castle Martin." and the animals are very big, 
large boned and coarse, but they are not in favor in the north of the Principality. * 
* * * Both breeds are black, producing occasionally specimens dun colored 
and red. Characteristic points require that bulls should have white testicles and the 
cows white udders." 

They are supposed to be directly descended from the Bos primo- 
geiiius, and are hence allied to the wild "Forest" breed — still preserved 
in Chillingham Park, the Devons, and still more closely to their new 
rivals, the Black Cattle of North Wales. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color black, with the white marks already mentioned. As com- 
pared with the North Wales breed, they have shorter hair, lighter hind 
parts, narrower shoulders, and coarser bones. The best specimens of 
each breed would bear close inspection to decide between them on merit 
alone ; but it is now admitted that a much larger number of the North 
Wales cattle answer the requirements of an improved modern breed. 

The particular characteristics claimed for the Pembrokes are 
hardiness, dairy qualities and aptitude to range well. The)' cannot be 
said to bear forced feeding, but for rough grazing they would doubtless 
find much favor upon our western ranges. As to their dairy qualities, we 
confess to some degree of skepticism; it does not seem reasonable that 
a breed reared under the rough "no care" conditions — which their 
breeders are careful to claim — can have an}' very great tendenc}' to large 
yields of milk. Their flesh is said to be as good as any, and the oxen are 
docile, easily trained, and make strong, active teams. 

The first volume of the Herd Book appeared in 1874, and since 

that time improvement of the breed has taken a more decided and 

systematic turn. 

184 



Chapter XXXVIII. 



HEREFORDS. 

There is much to be said of the Hereford cattle, as they existed in 
Herefordshire, and adjoining counties, England ; and also of the cattle 
of Wales. Previous to the time of Tomkins, the cattle of these dis- 
tricts had a reputation for the best of quality, and were of uniform 
character— varying in size according to elevation and fertility of the 
range. It was from cattle of this uniform character that the Hereford 
breed had its origin. 

The more rehable records place Mr. Benj. Tomkins as the improver, 
if not the founder, of the breed. Mr. Tomkins was born in 1745, at the 
Court House, Canon Pyon, and began farming at Black Hall, King's 
Pyon, 1766— then in his 21st year. He afterward lived at Wellington, 
and then at Brookhaven, King's Pyon, where he died in 1815. His 
herd was sold in i8ig, and brought (for breeding stock) as follows: 

'5 cows Sii,245 00— an average of $750 00 

2 two-year-old heifers. . 1,415 00 •■ 460 00 

2 one-year-old " . . 780 00 ■■ 3go 00 

4 ''""^ 5.355 00 •■ ,,335 00 

2 bull calves 1,810 00 ■■ gog 00 



Total, 26 animals $20,605 00 ■' jyga 00 

Mr. Tomkins came from a line of ancestors who were prominent 
men of the county of Hereford as cattle breeders, and many of them 
were prominent men of the nation. He pursued a steadily systematic 
course in his breeding, and stands, undoubtedly, as regards the his- 
tory of the improvement of Hereford cattle in the west of England, 
as do the Colling Bros, in improvement of Shorthorn or Durham cat- 
tle in the east. Other noted breeders may be mentioned, among them 
such men as Yarmouth, Walker, Hoskyns, Penn, Jellicoe, Smith, Lord 
Talbot, Price, Sherif and others ; but the blood of Tomkins' cattle was 
always found strongly diffused throughout their herds— as may be seen 
by consulting the Herd Book records. 

To show the recognized value of the Hereford breed for beef at 
that early day, we give the following prices of cattle sold by Mr. West- 
car, and obtained from his books by Mr. Smythies, of Marlow. The fig- 
ures represent 20 Hereford oxen, selected from the entire record as each 



185 



l86 HEREFORDS. 

bringing a figure upwards of ;^ioo. Sales of 20 oxen from 1799 to 181 r 
— the average price of which was ^^106, 6s., or $530 each : 

1779, Dec. 16 2 oxen ;^200 

1800, Dec. 4 I " 147 

1800, Dec. 13 I " 100 

1801, Nov. 26 6 " . 630 

1802, Nov. 26 I " 100 

1802, Nov. 30 I " 126 

1802, Dec. 4 2 " .... 200 

1803, Dec. 4 I " 100 

1803, Dec. 19 I " 105 

1803, Dec. 29 I " 105 

1804, Dec. 5 I " 105 

1805, Dec. 4 I " 100 

1811, Nov. 28 I " 105 

The Smithfield Club at London, England, held its first cattle show 
in 1799. The winner of the first prize was a Hereford ox, shown Dy 
Mr. Westcar, bred by Mr. Tully, Huntingdon Court, Hereford, and for 
the first 20 years of this show Herefords won the first or champion prize 
for the best ox or steer exhibited. During the years from about 1820 to 
1834, there was a very warm contest carried on between the respective 
breeders of Herefords and Shorthorns as to the merits of the two breeds 
— a condition of things which has been kept up with more or less 
warmth ever since. (We cannot see why there should be such violent 
temper displayed by the respective champions of these two popular 
breeds. Each has a certain definite place in our midst, and it is no 
secret that any successful breeder is quite likely to regard his own 
success as a reflection of superior merit in the breed he handles. 
"Live and let live" is a pretty good motto, which both breeders of 
Herefords and Shorthorns would do well to heed.) 

Mr. Geo. T. Turner, writing to the National Live Stock Journal of 
Chicago in 1880, says : 

"The Hereford bullock in London is quite a season animal, and comes only as a 
grass beast in the late summer and autumn, when it tops the market." 

And we might add, the Hereford steer has held his own in this re- 
spect for more than 100 years. 

The Hereford Herd Book was first published in 1846 by Mr. T. C. 
Eyton — the second volume appearing in 1853. At this time, the mark- 
ings of the breed were not as uniform as now, and Mr. Eyton classed 
them according to color as Mottle Faced, White Faced, Gray and Light 
Gray. In his preface to the second volume, Mr. Eyton says that many 
breeders neglected to forward any account of their stock or pedigrees 
of their bulls, and that it is not his intention "to continue the work un- 
less the breeders generally come forward to assist me more than they 
have done to the present time. I would willingly give my own time and 



HEREFORDS. 



187 



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l88 HEREFORDS. 

trouble if I thought all would join in working out the truth, and afford 
the work sufficient patronage to cover its expenses. " While some few 
of the breeders were willing to aid in the support of the work, the inter- 
est was not general enough to induce Mr. Eyton to continue his labors. 
In 1856, Mr. W. Styles Powell purchased the copj'right, and published 
the first part of volume III., containing 236 pedigrees. Jul}' 15th, 1857, 
a letter to the Herefordshire Agricultural Society was read, from Mr. 
Underwood, solicitor to Rev. W. Powell — uncle to W. S. Powell — stating 
that the cost of the Herd Book to his late nephew was ;^3o ; yet he was 
willing to place the work as it then stood in the hands of any gentleman 
recommended by the society on payment of ;^io. Mr. Powell's offer 
was accepted, and Mr. Thos. Duckham was requested to carry on the 
publication of the Herd Book. The conditions were that he should pub- 
lish it annually, and that an entrance fee of one shilling (25 cts. ) should be 
paid for each head of stock entered. Mr. Duckham proceeded to revise 
and reprint the first portion of Volume III., adding a second part for 
bulls and a third part for cows, with their produce ; and in September, 
1858, the revised volume was issued. In 1859 Volume IV. appeared, 
with a list of 247 subscribers ; and Volume V. followed in 1862, with a 
list of 317. Mr. Duckham continued the work on his own responsibil- 
ity until Volume IX. was issued, when — March 5, 1878 — the Here- 
ford Herd Book Society was formed, and the Society purchased the 
copyright, becoming responsible for its publication through an editing 
committee, of which Mr. Duckham was an active and influential mem- 
ber until his resignation, which occurred about six years ago. Vol- 
ume XVII. of the Herd Book was issued in 1887. 

While Mr. 'Duckham was editor and publisher, he gave a large por- 
tion of his time to the advancement of Hereford interests, and the 
breeders of England and America owe much to him for the records and 
data that have been preserved to the breed. 

In Scotland, Ireland, Australia, South America and the island of 
Jamaica, Hereford cattle are now well-known, and rank second to none 
in public favor for early and economic production of beef. 

IMPORTATION TO, AND BREEDING IN, THE UNITED STATES. 

The Hon. Henry Clay brought two bulls and two heifers to this 
country in 1817; one bull and the two heifers reached Kentucky, and con- 
tributed to the improvement of beef cattle in that state. In 1824 Admi- 
ral Coffin brought to Massachusetts the Hereford bull Sir Isaac. The 
bull was owned for several years by Isaac C. Bates, of Northampton, 
Mass., and was used on the cows in that vicinity with the uniform testi- 
mony that for all purposes combined, his produce formed the best stock 
ever kept in that neighborhood. In 1839-40 a large number of Here- 
ford cattle were imported by Mr. William Sotham, of Albany, N. Y. 



ilEREFORDS. 



189 




igo 



HEREFORDS. 



The)' met with a good deal of favor, and were soon well distributed 
throughout the northeast portion of the United States. In 1851 Messrs. 
John Humphries and Thos. Ashton brought to Ohio two bulls and two 
heifers; and since 1879 there have been many importations, and some 
very large ones. They have gone into all parts of the countr}', and have 
uniformly become very popular with all who have handled them. 

C. R. Thomas, of Independence, Mo., is the present secretary of 
the American Hereford Breeders' Association. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

In color the Hereford is a red of varying shade, generally dark, with 
clear white face, white line — extending from head to tail in some speci- 
mens, in others abreviated to merely a white mane, or what is even 
more fashionable at present, an oblong spot above and between the 
shoulders — white belly, white brush and white feet. The horns are 
medium to long, white, waxy and generally turning outward, forward 
and sometimes downward. In form they are block}', square built, with 
rather short legs and all meat points full and rounded ; the tail drops 
squarely from rumps even and high ; the quarters are heavy, muscular 
and low down on the hocks ; the ribs well sprung, but rounded neatly to 
a long, deep barrel ; the head and neck both short and close fleshed ; 
in fact the whole make-up of the animal indicates strongl)' the marked 
characteristic of the breed — beef. 

The Hereford is emphatically a beef or range animal, and while 
good milkers are occasionally met with among the cows, most of them 
do little more than raise wonderfully vigorous calves. The "white 

-faces" have found considerable favor on the great cattle ranges of the 
Panhandle of Texas. In acclimating, they are well located as standing 

-even with the Aberdeen-Angus — about third on the list — Holstein- 
Friesians and Galloways ranking first and second respectively. They 
are hardy, prepotent to a strong degree, and are classed with the largest 
of modern breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1,900 to 2,300 lbs., and 
cows from 1,200 to 1,600 lbs., with occasional animals exceeding these 
weights. 

Probably no other man in America has done so much to advance 

i:he interests of Hereford cattle as T. L. Miller. His latest great under- 
taking, to push the white faces on irrigated lands in Arizona, for ship- 
ment by train loads to the large markets of the country, is an enter- 
prise which, if successful, will rank as almost phenomenal ; and that it 
will be successful is almost assured by the simple fact that Mr. Miller 

-has undertaken it. 



Chapter XXXIX. 



GALLOWAYS. 

These cattle derive their name from the province of Gallowaj', 
lying in the southwest portion of Scotland, to which locality they trace a 
long line of polled ancestry. The breed is among the oldest, authentic 
history carrying it back to the beginning of the Sixteenth Century, and 
tradition asserting that there was never a time when Galloway cattle 
did not exist in their native province ; moreover, the main distinguish- 
ing points of the breed were the same then as now, subject only to 
progressive change from careful selection and management. 

Improvement in the Galloway breed was largely stimulated by the 
extensive purchases of Scotch polled cattle by the English soon after the 
union of England and Scotland. The Scotch breeders, knowing that the 
cattle sold were to travel on foot throughout the greater part of Eng- 
land, vied with each other in attempting to furnish the best animals. It 
is worthy of note that the improvement of the Galloway has been ef- 
fected almost entirely by skillful selection, judicious feeding and careful 
management — a fact which accounts, in fixedness of breeding, for their 
present remarkable prepotency. 

Although an old breed, the records date only from recent time — ■ 
all pedigrees and papers relating to the breed having been destroyed b}' 
fire at Edinburgh in 1851. From 1851 to 1878, they were recorded with 
the Angus and other polled stock in the Polled Herd Book ; in 1878 
Galloway breeders published separately the first volume of the Galloway 
Herd Book of Great Britain, and in 1883 appeared the first volume of 
the North American Galloway Herd Book — the register now used for 
American-bred Galloways. 

While black has always been the prevailing color, there were for- 
merly many well bred individuals of other colors, and one of the most 
apparent improvements made by later breeders has been to eliminate 
variety in color and reduce the breed to its present standard, namely, 
black — in winter with a brownish tinge. It must be borne in mind, 
however, that this peculiarity still shows itself in an occasional rever- 
sion to dun or drab ; and such animals, while inferior in selling value, 
are nevertheless as purely bred as the most sable of their kind. We had 
on the College Farm, a heifer — now dead — dropped in 1886, got by 
Admiral Good, 1184, Am. G. H. B., out of Admiration, 1186, Am. G. H. 

191 



ig2 GALLOWAYS. 

B., both black — which was a pure dun in color, but a typical Gallowa\- 
in all other respects. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE GALLOWAY. 

No horns are admissible, not even scurs ; they are emphatically 
a polled or hornless breed. The color should be black — in winter 
showing a brownish tinge, from the fact that the long hairs turn brown 
at the extremities. The skin should be of medium thickness, but soft 
and pliable, and the hair long, soft and wavy, giving a silken, shaggy 
appearance — with a soft thick coat of wool underneath. Coarse, 
straight, or closely curled hair is objectionable, especially when the 
mossy undercoat is wanting. The head should be short and wide be- 
tween eyes, with full forehead and open nostrils ; eyes large and prom- 
inent ; ears medium sized — rather broad in proportion to length — 
pointing upward, fringed with long hair, and well provided, both inside 
and out, with a soft woolly covering ; neck short, tapering finely in the 
cow, and becoming wonderfully enlarged with age in the bull ; quarters 
long, deep and fleshed well onto the leg ; breast wide, brisket heavy, 
loin well filled and flank low. The body is round and long, back 
straight, tail thick, with a heavy brush, and legs short and very mus- 
cular. The Galloway, in brief, is a heavy bodied, short legged, hornless, 
black, beefy looking animal. No scale of points has yet been adopted 
for the breed. 

CHARACTERISTICS. 

The Galloways are mainly a beef-producing cattle — their flesh 
finely marbled, sweet and juicy ; in proportion of live weight, they 
dress remarkably well, averaging nearl}' 60 per cent., and frequently 
reaching as high as 65 or 66 per cent, of live weight. As range stock 
they have proved exceedingly valuable, being hardy, easil}' handled, 
close shippers, and amply able to find their own food on anj' reasonable 
range. 

The practice of dehorning, which we have mentioned, although ad- 
vocated by breeders of horned cattle, must surely work to the advantage 
of all of the polled breeds, inasmuch as the average man will consider 
it much safer, more economical and much less cruel to remove the 
horns by using a naturally hornless bull. One of the prominent traits of 
Galloway cattle is their prepotency when crossed with other breeds — 
fully 80 per cent, of resulting offspring being without horns. As to 
maturity, there is considerable difference of opinion, due, we believe, to 
the fact that Galloways vary greatly in ages at which individual animals 
reach maturity ; as a rule we cannot say that they are early maturers — 
although perhaps comparing favorably with most of their rivals in this 



GALLOWAYS. 



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194 GALLOWAYS. 

respect ; neither do they as a rule attain so great weight as several of 
the other beef breeds — bulls weighing from 1,700 to 2,100 lbs., and 
cows from 1,000 to 1,400 lbs., with occasional animals exceeding these 
figures. We believe there is truth in the following statement : Let a 
Galloway steer alone, and he will do what he can with credit to himself 
and profit to his owner ; but attempt to crowd him for extra results, and 
beyond a certain point the forcing process will not prove a financial 
success. 

In the dairy little is claimed for the Galloway cows, by even their 
most ardent admirers. It is only fair to state, however, that among 
them are found some very excellent milkers. The practice of allowing 
the calf to run with the cow and making the herd find both food and 
shelter on its own account, while it may have, and doubtless has, in- 
creased the hardiness to a considerable extent, has certainly worked 
great injury to whatever milking superiority the breed may have origi- 
nally possessed. 

Another and economically important outlook for Galloway breeders 
is indicated in a letter to the author written under date December 3, 
1892, by L. P. Muir, secretary of the association. Independence, Mo. 
He says : 

" * * * The Galloways are proving one of the best of breeds for hardiness, 
thriftiness and general usefulness. Robes, coats, cloaks, gloves and various articles of 
use and wear are made from first-class hides. * * * " 

We understand that there are already a number of breeders who 
are handling grade Galloways primarily for their hides, as indicated by 
Col. Muir. In the South, Galloways stand second on the list as to ease 
of acclimation ; and this fact will doubtless tend to gradually increase 
the number of pure bred Galloway bulls annually shipped to Texas 
ranges for improvement of native stock. 



GALLOWAYS. 



195 




Chapter XL. 



ABERDEEN-ANGUS. 

(^Polled Aligns or Polled Aberdeen.') 

As to the origin of this now well-known breed, little is definite be- 
yond the commonly accepted belief that the two polled Scotch breeds — 
Galloway and Aberdeen-Angus — -are descended from the polled variety 
of the original Forest breed. Of the long controversy, between Gal- 
loway and Angus breeders regarding the merits of their respective 
breeds we have nothing to say; by many the two breeds are considered 
identical. Some of our best judges predict that at no distant day the 
Aberdeen-Angus and Galloway Associations will follow the example 
so lately set by the Holstein and the Dutch Friesian breeders, by com- 
bining forces to advance the interests of all concerned. 

We cannot say that we agree with such expression. While both 
breeds have undoubtedly descended from the same original stock, yet 
selection, feeding, care and systematic breeding have changed the 
characteristics and appearance so greatly as to fully warrant the present 
recognized distinctions between them. What these differences are will 
be understood from a study of the description and characteristics of the 
two breeds — which see. 

Improvement of the Aberdeen-Angus was first begun in a systematic 
way about the opening of the present century. Probably no man has 
contributed more to advance the merits of Angus cattle than Mr. Hugh 
Watson, of Keillor, Scotland. Mr. Watson began his herd in 1808 with 
2 bulls and 14 cows — the "best and blackest" that could be found — and 
by continually breeding in and in, putting the "best to the best," without 
regard to relationship, and carefully weeding out all freaks or reversions, 
he established a reputation for his herd, and for himself as a breeder, 
which the most successful of breeders might 'well envy. The early im- 
provers brought to the work superior ability, practical experience and 
sound sense. Following up the demand for an animal that should range 
well, and at the same time prove a kindly feeder, quick maturer and 
an animal of large size, they kept steadily at work, until the foundation 
of the Angus breed was thoroughly laid, tested and received. Among 
the later breeders of note we may mention William McCombie, of Tilly- 
four. His herd was started about the year 1830 — just at the time when 
the pure bred Aberdeen-Angus was threatened with total extinction 

196 



ABERDEEN- ANGUS. 



197 



s ? 




rgS ABERDEEN-ANGUS. 

through the exceeding popularity of the Angus-Shorthorn crosses for 
feeding purposes. Mr. McCombie believed that the Angus breed was 
eminently worthy not only of preservation, but of improvement as well, 
and steadily directed his energies toward the accomplishment of this end. 

IMPORTATION TO THE UNITED STATES. 

The first of which we have any record was made in 1873 by Mr. 
Grant, of Victoria, Kan.; this was followed in 1878 by an importation of 
five cows and a bull for Messrs. Anderson & Findlay, of Lake Forest, 
111., and the next year a few head were brought over by Mr. F. B. Red- 
field, of Batavia, N. Y. ; since that time importations have been numer- 
ous and breeding rapid, until there are at present writing probably not 
less than 4,500 to 5,000 head of pure bred Aberdeen- Angus in the 
United States. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

We can best distinguish them by a comparison with the close de- 
scription of the Galloway already given : There are no horns. The 
color is pure shining black — without the brown tinge of the Galloway — 
and the hair is fine, smooth, short and close-lying. In this respect, 
alone, the Angus cattle show a greater nicety of breeding, and, taken in 
connection with their size, illustrate perfectly the aim of both early and 
modern improvers of the breed, namely : To produce an animal which 
could be forced with profit, attain large size, and attract attention by 
his neat and meaty appearance. 

In size they are considerabl}' ahead of the Gallowaj', mature bulls 
ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 lbs., and cows from 1,100 to 1,500 lbs.; the 
forehead is less inclined to fullness, the back broader ; flanks deeper, 
and general form more nearly filling the beef rectangle. 

To the ordinary observer, not interested financially, in either 
breed, the Aberdeen-Angus would undoubtedly rank first from looks 
alone; to those who go further, and demand not onlv looks, but hardi- 
ness and other qualities combined, it is difficult to decide between them. 
From our own experience, and what we have gathered from others, the 
Aberdeen- Angus is the better animal to buy where feed is plent}' and 
pasture luxuriant ; but for the range, where the animal has to look out 
for himself, we would prefer the Galloway. The fact already stated — 
that Galloways acclimate somewhat better than Angus in the southern 
fever belt — the latter standing next below the former — bears considerable 
weight with breeders in the great Southwest. To offset this, Angus 
cattle mature earlier, and attain greater size. Each breed claims pre- 
eminence in beef qualities, and we candidl)' confess our inabilit}' to see 
any difference between them on this point. As a milk cow, the Aber- 
deen-Angus gives an ample supply for her calf — no more is needed for 
the range. Either Angus or Galloway bulls are excellent dehorners. 



ABERDEEN-ANGUS. 



199 




20O ABERDEEN-ANGUS. 

The following Scale of Points was adopted by the American Aber- 
deen-Angus Breeders' Association, Nov. 20, i8go : 

cows BOLLS 

2 Color 3 

ID Head 10 

3 Throat 3 

3 Neck 3 

6 Shoulders 6 

ID Chest 10 

4 Brisket 4 

8 Ribs 8 

10 Back 10 

8 Hind Quarters 8 

3 Tail 3 

8 Udder 

4 .... Underline 4 

3 Legs 4 

3 Flesh 4 

10 Skin 10 

5 General Appearance 10 

100 Perfection loo 

When bulls are shown in separate class with progeny, add 25 points 
for progeny. 

The first volume of the American Aberdeen-Angus Herd Book was 
published in 18S6 the two main requisites for record being : (i) The 
animal itself or its sire and dam must be recorded in the 8th or 
prior volumes of the Polled Aberdeen or Angus Herd Book of Scotland. 
(2) The animal must be the produce by registered sire of a cow that 
has produce in the 8th or prior volumes of the Polled Aberdeen or 
Angus Herd Book of Scotland. Thos. McFarlane, Harvey, 111., is the 
present efficient secretary of the association. The illustrations of both 
Galloways and Angus represent excellent specimens of their re- 
spective breeds, and will well repaj- a careful study. 



Chapter XLI. 



POLLED DURHAMS. 

The Polled Durham breed is of recent origin ; indeed it is only 
within the last three years that it could at all lay claim to the title. 
Since, however, the blood lines have become so fixed, and the features 
sought to be perpetuated are therefore transmitted with a great degree 
of certainty, their breeders have banded together and propose to place 
before the world the merits of their favorites on a blood parity with 
other breeds. In November, 1889, the American Polled Durham 



Breeders' Association was organized and the Herd Book started. The 
association now has a membership of between forty and fifty, and there 
are registered in the Herd Book something over 200 animals. Mr. 
Wm. W. Crane, Tippecanoe City, Ohio, is president, and Mr. A. E. 
Burleigh, Mazon, 111., secretary. 

As the name of the breed indicates, its basal blood is drawn from 
Shorthorn or " Durham " ancestry. The best " muley " or polled cows 
were selected from among the common or native herds in the central- 
western and Mississippi Valley portions of the United States, and these 
cows were bred to registered, selected Shorthorn bulls. Only the best 
hornless heifers were selected from the calves thus bred, and these 
were in time returned to registered Shorthorn bulls. This plan was 
persistently followed by several conscientious and thoroughly reliable 
breeders independently of each other, and, indeed, each without the 
other's knowledge, until after several generations of selective breeding, 
the Shorthorn outline, and especially the best beef or feeding character- 
istics of that old and popular breed, were firmly fixed in combination 
with the potent hornless feature of the "muley" cows, and the modern 
breed of Polled Durhams was established. 

Of the breeders who, in this quiet way, have worked so faithfully 
to bring about what now has been so worthily attained, we can only 
mention those most prominent, whose names must live in Polled Dur- 
ham his,:ory as do the names of Booth and Bates in that of their Short- 
horn ancestry. Dr. Wm. W. Crane, Tippecanoe City, Ohio, now pres- 
ident of the association ; Salem R. Clawson, Clawson, Ohio ; Peter 
Shafor, also of Ohio; J. L. Burleigh, Mazon, 111., now secretary ; and 
T. Dunham, of Iowa. 

Among the later breeders we may mention Mr. J. H. Miller, 



202 POLLED DURHAMS. 

Mexico, Ind., who in 1891 purchased entire the fine herds of Dr. Crane 
and Mr. Clawson, and is now vigorously and successfully pushing the 
Durham " doddies" into popular favor. Our illustration represents two 
of his best cows, and shows the symmetry and beauty of the breed. 
The engraving is an artist's faithful reproduction from photographs 
taken on the grounds of the Illinois State Fair Association at Peoria, 
in September, 1892. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color varies — red, red and white, roan, and, indeed, as with the 
Shorthorns, all colors except black, brown or brindle. Size full)' equal 
to the beef families of Shorthorns — mature bulls weighing from i.goo 
to 2,300 lbs. and upwards ; cows, 1,200 to 1,600 lbs. and over. 

The appearance is exactly that of a typical Shorthorn of beef procliv- 
ity without the horns. Full rounded barrel ; wide, straight back ; heavj' 
muscled shoulders, with neck well set on ; wide, deep chest over heavy 
brisket ; well filled quarters, especially low at the twist ; short, straight 
legs, set wide apart and easily supporting all the weight of bod)^ 
a breeder could desire ; short, firm-fleshed neck, with little dewlap, and 
short, neat head, with intelligent face and large, expressive eyes. The 
dominant characteristic of this new American breed is feeding quality 
for beef production, although, as Mr. Miller states, "they have the 
color, the contour and general make-up of the grand old breed from 
which they have been mainly builded ; besides, in their production, their 
milking qualities have not been lost sight of, and among them are some 
excellent milkers. " 

We have thought best to class this new breed with the beef pro- 
ducers of the world, admitting Mr. Miller's statement that some excel- 
lent milkers are found ; but shall insist, what the facts regarding 
different families warrant, that the grand old Shorthorn breed, from the 
more beefy types of which the new breed has arisen, be still classed as 
distinctively and usefully "general purpose," regardless of the fact that 
some families have been bred directly into beef production and out of 
dairy excellence. 



POLLED DURHAMS. 



203 




Chapter XLII. 



SUSSEX CATTLE. 

This breed is closely allied to the Devon — indeed, some writers as- 
sert that it is folly to class them as separate breeds. We cannot think 
so. Certainly their origin is found in the same stock, but this is also true 
of the Galloway and Aberdeen-Angus breeds. The early writers on the 
breeds of cattle of Great Britain certainly looked upon the Sussex as a 
breed well worthy a class by itself. Youatt and Martin, while acknowl- 
edging the common origin of both Devon and Sussex cattle, yet speak 
of the Sussex ox as possessing not only the activity of the Devon, but 
the strength of the Hereford, "with the propensity to fatten, and the 
beautiful fine grained flesh of both." 

The breed takes its name from the county or shire of Sussex, in 
England, adjoining Devonshire, and differing from it in contour, eleva- 
tion and fertility of soil. As already mentioned, the Devons occupied 
the elevated slopes bordering the Severn; the Sussex cattle held the 
lower regions of rich, luxuriant pasture farther east; and this fact alone 
— when we consider the long period of time involved — would naturally 
lead to a very supposable difference between the two breeds. 

Improvement of the Sussex has not been rapid, but rather marked 
by the slow, steady conservatism of their English breeders. In Amer- 
ica they have obtained a foothold, and already claim a large share of 
favor from American stockmen. Mr. Overton Lea, the energetic and 
popular breeder, of Mont Eagle, Tenn. (now secretary of the recently 
organized association), has done more towards pushing the Sussex to the 
front in the last ten years than all their breeders in England combined 
— and only because he has freely advertised and fully exhibited his cat- 
tle, courting inspection at all times, and asking onl}' an honest opinion 
as to their merits. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color, like the Devon, a rich dark red, with white brush to the tail; 
in size they excel the Devon considerably, mature bulls weighing from 
1,700 to 2,000 lbs., and cows 1, 100 to 1,400 lbs. Comparing further with 
the Devon, we may say: The head is coarser, with thicker horns; neck 
heavier, shoulders deeper, barrel longer and general^ form showing more 
of a beef tendency; the}' mature as early; are fine feeders, hardy, dress 
well, and produce an excellent qualit}' of flesh. 

204 



SUSSEX CATTLE, 



205 




2o6 SUSSEX CATTLE. 

At the Fat Stock Show, Chicago, 1885, a yearling Sussex steer re- 
ceived the Class prize on the butcher's block, and was only defeated by 
one vote for the Sweepstakes prize open to all ages. At the Kansas City 
Fat Stock Show, 1886, a two-year-old Sussex heifer, shown by Fowler 
and Van Natta, of Indiana, won both the Class and the Sweepstakes 
prizes. When we consider the great number of magnificent carcasses 
■exhibited in competition, we may readil)^ accord to the Sussex for beef 
a place among those in the front rank. 

As milk stock, they cannot claim much. Improvement of the breed 
has been rather with a view of increasing size, appearance and feeding 
value, than with any idea of enhancing their dairy qualities. What milk 
they do give, however, is quite rich in cream, and occasionall)' a cow is 
found capable of an excellent record as to quantit}'. 

The engraving was prepared expressly for our use, and we do not 
hesitate to say that the animals represented are second to few if any in 
America in point of general merit. Mr. Lea, as a breeder of Sussex, 
has been remarkably successful, and his uniform courtesy and fair deal- 
ing have secured for him a host of well-wishers. 



Chapter XLIII. 



SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. 

The Simmenthal cattle came originally from Canton Berne, Swit- 
zerland, but the best specimens are found in the valleys of Bernese Over- 
land and on the rich pastures of western Switzerland and southern Ger- 
many. In southern Germany, especially, the fertile valleys have been 
found very favorable to steady improvement, and to the late King Wil- 
liam of Wiirtemberg, who was especially interested in their importation 
to Germany, the breed is largely indebted for its present improved con- 
dition. 

So far as we can ascertain, only two importations of these cattle 
have been made to the United States. In 1886, the Rev. F. von Schlu- 
•embach, of Perry, Tex., while on one of his periodical visits to Ger- 
many, became much impressed with the idea that just such cattle as the 
Simmenthal were needed in the United States, and if properly handled 
would grow rapidly in favor. He accordingly secured and brought over 
successfully four head — two bulls and two heifers, all yearlings — the first 
Simmenthal cattle ever brought to America. (The second importation 
■of Simmenthal cattle was made in May, 1887, by John Dick, of Quincy, 
111.) Writing to the author, under date February 14th, 1888, Rev. von 
Schluembach says: 

"* * * * The weight o£ the cattle in Switzerland is very great ; bulls 
up to 3,000 lbs.; cows five years old, upwards of 1,800 lbs. Height, from 1.34 to 1.4 meters 
[54 to 56 inches]; length, 2.15 to 2.2 meters [85 to 87 inches], well and equally developed 
animals. * * * * Edelweiss [referring to one of the heifers imported in 
1886], three-year-old cow, May ist, gives about four quarts per day now, but she will 
■come in with second calf very soon. They are not a distinctly dairy breed, but are rather 
for meat purposes ; but, at the same time, I believe good milkers if properly attended to. 
Although I imported my cattle in spring, and after quarantine in New York, had to bring 
them to Texas in August, by steamer to New Orleans, they have done finely from the 
■start, and are easily acclimatized. The success I had with them in this respect I attribute 
in no little measure to your excellent and very reliable suggestions. * * * They 
are easy kept in food, are fully satisfied with Texas prairie hay and loose bran, feed up 
well, and fatten easily. * * *" 

Wishing to present an accurate description of this valuable breed, 
the author made a personal inspection of Rev. von Schluembach' s herd 
in March, 1888, and from notes made at that time, gives the followihg 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color light yellowish red, spotted with white— in one strain of the 
.breed, evenly variegated; in the other strain the white is confined 

207 



2o8 SIMMENTHAL (bERNESE) CATTLE. 

mainly to the legs and belly line, with white marks about the flanks, and 
usually, also, about head and neck. Further than this there is no dis- 
tinctive arrangement of color markings. In size they are fully equal to 
the largest Herefords or Holstein-Friesians — bulls weighing at maturity 
I, goo to 2,300 pounds, cows from 1,200 to 1,600 lbs. The head is 
broad and short, rather beefy, with a neck which in the bull fills up 
grandly as the animal develops, and in the cow is short, not delicate, 
but neat and well carried. There is a characteristic mark in the peculiar 
pendent skin beneath the throttle in both sexes — especially so in the 
bull — and in the rather long and finely shaped ears well fringed with 
hair. The horns are white and waxy to the tips, pointing outward and 
upward, sometimes forward, much like those of the Hereford, but 
shorter and better curved. The shoulders are deep and surmounted by 
a mass of dense muscular tissue, filling the crops to an even line ; ribs 
well sprung to a neatly rounded barrel ; haunches smooth, not promi 
nent — indeed, the even, rounded appearance of the haunches, as seen 
from rear view, may be called a prominent characteristic of the breed. 
The tail is placed well up, and drops squarel}' between full buttocks ; 
legs medium to short, with large, strong bone closely held in firm tissue 
— almost the perfection of bovine symmetry and strength. The general 
appearance indicates beef and feeding capacity ; and the long bod}', 
squarely placed on legs of moderate length, gives a framework of suf- 
ficient size to carry an enormous carcass. 

As we have already indicated, the Simmenthal should be classed 
with the beef breeds. As to their merit for use in grading up on the 
range, we can only conjecture, as they have not been tried long enough 
to exhibit many grade offspring. We believe, however, that the South- 
western rangemen have a very valuable addition to their stock in this 
breed, and we shall await further trial with interest. 

The engraving has been prepared expressly for our use from a pho- 
tograph of Rev. von Schluembach's cattle, by Baron von Holhveg, 
and is remarkably accurate in all details. The bull in front is Czar ; a 
fine model, with evenly variegated color. The one showing escutcheon 
(rear view) is Sultan ; he represents the type in which the white mark- 
ings are limited to lower line, legs and head. The view of Sultan dis- 
plays fully the characteristic rounded haunches, and shows a thigh well 
turned and extremely muscular. The cow Edelweiss is unfortunately 
almost hidden by the two bulls, but is fully their equal in breed 
markings and characteristics. 

[Rev. von Schluembach's address is now Cleveland, Ohio.] 



SIMMENTHAL (bERNESE) CATTLE. 



2og 




Chapter XLIV. 



. BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. 

Referring to the name by whioh these cattle are known in America, 
it may be well to state that it has no authentic foundation other than 
the prevalent but mistaken idea — -that but one breed of cattle is 
found in India, and that one connected in some mj'sterious way with the 
Brahmin religion. There are, in fact, several breeds of cattle in India, 
each one tranrmitting its peculiar qualities with as much certainty 
as do any of the modern breeds so well known in America. 
True, all of these families possess many characteristics in common, but 
they differ sharply in those distinctive qualities by which American 
breeders must judge of their value. 

Mr. Albert Montgomery, of New Orleans, has kindl}' placed at 
hand a number of private letters from reliable parties in various por- 
tions of India, written in response to' queries prior to his importation of 
Brahmins in 1885. According to the unanimous testimony of these 
men — well qualified to judge — the family best calculated to find favor 
in America is, in India, known as the "Buchour," and it is from cattle 
of this family that most of the shipments to America have been made. 
The name "Brahmin," however, is so firmly fixed among those who 
have bred or known them in the Southern States, that it would be im- 
practicable, at least, to attempt a change. We have therefore adopted 
the nomenclature which heads this chapter, and shall refer solely to the 
cattle as now known in the United States. 

The Brahmins — as noted above — form one of the common domestic 
breeds of Indian cattle, are found also in China and East Africa, and are 
the only breed which can endure the intense heat and insect pests of the 
countries named. They differ from our domestic cattle in the following 
particulars : The period of gestation is about 300 da3's, while the aver- 
age period with the common cow is 283 da3's ; they have a hump of fat 
over the shoulders, and 18 caudal vertebrae as against 21 in our ordinary 
cattle. These characteristics have led naturalists to class them as a 
distinct species {Bos Indicus), but the bulls breed as freely with all 
varieties of the common cow {Bos taunts) as with females of their own 
peculiar breed. 

Introduction to the United States dates from the year 1849, when 
Dr. James Bolton Davis, of Charleston, S. C, secured from the Earl of 
Derby and imported the first pair of Brahmins ever brought to the 



BRAHMIN (zebu) CATTLE. 211 

United States. Dr. Davis, who died in 1859, was a typical southern 
gentleman of the old school, whose thorough knowledge of medicine was 
combined with not only a close knowledge of, but also an enthusiastic 
love for, progressive agriculture. In 1846, on the recommendation of 
President James K. Polk, Dr. Davis was engaged at a salary of ^25,000 
per year by the Sultan of Turkey, Abdul Medjid, to attempt the intro- 
duction of cotton into the Turkish Empire, and to instruct certain se- 
lected pupils in the cultivation of cotton and the general principles of 
the then modern American agriculture. As a matter of interest it may 
be stated that the Doctor was successful in introducing three varieties 
of cotton — the White, the Nankeen and the Silk — and continued his 
work of instructing the Sultan's selected pupils for a period of three 
years. During his three years' stay in Turkey, the Doctor obtained 
pure-bred specimens of the Indian Buffalo (^Bos gatirus^ or "water ox," 
the Cashmere goat, the Thibet shawl goat, and the Scind goat. These 
were brought first to Turkey in Asia, thence to Turkey in Europe, and 
thence to America via Liverpool. While in England with his family on 
his way home, Dr. Davis became acquainted with the Earl of Derby, 
who had some pure Brahmin cattle — secured by him direct from India, 
through the agency of the East Indian Co., a short time before. The 
Earl had no Cashmere goats and the Doctor had no Brahmin cattle. 
Negotiations were therefore made which resulted in a mutually satisfac- 
tory exchange — the Doctor leaving some Cashmere goats in England, 
and adding to his already unique collection for shipment to America a 
pair of pure Indian-bred Brahmins. 

For a time after reaching South Carolina the Brahmins, with the 
other animals imported from Asia, were kept on the rice plantations in 
the lower part of the state, but after a time were taken to the Doctor's 
old homestead, in Fairfield county. About the time of the removal 
Dr. Davis sold the original imported pair of Brahmins for §4,500 
to a Mr. Fades of Kentucky — their increase and most of the grade 
offspring from common cows being afterwards sold to Col. Richard 
Peters, of Atlanta, Ga., who purchased also some of the pure bred 
Cashmere goats. From the best information obtainable the cattle sold 
Eades finally found their way to the McHatton farm above St. Louis ; 
but it was too far north for them, and they were afterward sold at 
auction. 

Brahmin cattle found their way to Mexico about 1867, when Mr. F. 
McManus & Sons shipped 20 head — descended from the Davis importa- 
tion — to the "Brachimba Farm," near the city of Mexico. No attempt 
was anywhere made to keep them pure, but the grades were much 
sought, and were soon widely scattered through northeast Mexico and 
southern Texas. Col. Peters also made an importation of pure Brah- 
mins before the war, and descendants of his stock have been scattered 



212 BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. 

all over Florida and the coast regions of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, 
Louisiana and Texas. In southern Texas especially, the Brahmin blood 
has played an important part in improving the native stock, and its 
value is attested by the constant demand for Brahmin grades from prac- 
tical stockmen in the region named. 

For the imformation concerning Dr. Davis' importation of Brahmins 
we are indebted to a valued friend, Mrs. Harriet Davis White — daughter 
of Dr. Davis, and now the charming wife of Major H. K. White, a 
wealthy Brazos bottom planter, and member of the Texas House of 
Representatives, residing in Bryan, Texas. We sincerely hope that 
Mrs. White may be prevailed upon to prepare — as she has been urged 
to do — what could not fail to be a most interesting account of her 
father's life, especially that portion of it covering his three years so- 
journ in Turkey, and his experience in importing and handling Brahmins 
and other Asiatic stock. 

DEiCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

They may be best described by calling attention to those peculiar 
points which distinguish the grades — even when as low as i-i5th of 
Brahmin blood is present. The ears are long and drooping ; the horns, 
in the thoroughbred, point upward and backward ; in the grades this 
peculiarity is retained, but greatly modified. The dewlap is voluminous, 
especially at the throttle ; the hips are rather narrow, and the rump 
slopes rapidly from sacrum to the tail. The loose fold of skin at the 
navel is remarkably developed, swinging from old males so as to almost 
touch the ground : this latter may be called the distinguishing mark of a 
Brahmin grade. We have seen a great many of these grade steers — 
some of them not having more than i-i6th of Brahmin blood, but every 
one retained this peculiar mark. In the grade heifers or cows, it is not 
so strongly marked, but even a novice would have no trouble in detect- 
ing the Brahmin blood. The color of the thoroughbred Brahmin is a 
sort of silver gray, with darker (iron gray) fore and hind quarters, and 
a large percentage of the grades from native cows exhibit similar mark- 
ings. 

As to the economic value of this breed for the Southwestern ranges 
we have already written. The great advantage they have over any 
other breed capable of improving the so-called "native" Texan, lies in 
the fact, that they acclimate with perfect safety. Their native home is 
subject to about the same conditions (in concentrated form) as obtain 
in the Gulf regions of the United States ; and a change to the latter 
seems only to act as a sort of strong tonic, increasing the general vigor 
and health. 

We cannot say that we admire them — in fact an American ideal of 
a thoroughbred bull is likely to be considerably shattered on first inspec- 



BRAHMIN (zebu) CATTLE. 



213 




214 BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. 

tion of a typical Brahmin ; but there can be no doubt as to their utility 
in the region named. The cross improves the quali'ty of native beef, 
and adds quantity by increasing size. For the dairy, some of the cows 
are said to be superior; they give a large quantity of milk, but the 
quality is rather deficient ; moreover, the wild nature of the animal is 
liable to crop out in a variable and sometimes vicious temper. The 
grades from good quiet cows, are of course more nearlj' free from this 
objection, and in many places dairies of Brahmin grades are giving 
good satisfaction. 

The previously published experience of Col. Peters is interesting 
in this connection, and we quote : 

"The animals did excellent, and I thought I had solved the problem. They made 
fine beef cattle — wonderful — and some of them were extraordinary milkers. I had one 
grade Brahmin cow that gave 36 quarts of milk per day ; I exhibited her at the fairs, and 
took premiums everywhere ; but I discovered that the milk lacked butter-making qualities. 
* « * * Anij ttign tjig Brahmins were the most malevolent animals in the world, 
with a distinctive aversion to women. I don't think I ever saw a Brahmin cow that a 
woman could milk. * •■■' '•■" I never knew one animal to die of murrain. They 

made the best work oxen I ever raised." 

The place for the Bramins is on the Southern ranges, and the grade 
bulls — half bloods — with which Mr. Albert Montgomery, of New 
Orleans, and his partner, J. M. Frost, of Houston, Texas, are supplying 
the market, find ready sale at good prices. Mr. Frost, writing to the 
Author under date of July gth, 1888, says : 

"I defy any man to name the time when he ever saw a tick on either pure or 
half-breeds, or a worm from the blow fly [screw worms]. Further than this, I defy 
any man to say that he ever saw any of them to die from a severe winter. They are 
the grandest cattle that exist for southern climates." 

The illustration represents the imported Brahmin bull Khedive, and 
two of his grade offspring from native Texas cows — property of the 
gentlemen just mentioned — and was engraved for our use from photo- 
graphs taken in Houston, Texas. 



Chapter XLV. 



WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 

lyKyloes. ) 

This breed is undoubtedly native to the Highlands of West Scot- 
land and the islands along the coast. The mountain breeds of Scot- 
land may all be referred to the same original stock and their variations 
at the present time, ascribed to climatic or other natural and artificial 
conditions under which they have been reared. As in Wales we have 
the Pembroke and North Wales Cattle, so in Scotland we have the 
West Highlands, as direct descendants of the original Forest stock. 

Improvement of the breed has been effected mainly b}' selection 
and careful in-breeding. About the middle of the last century, the Duke 
of Argyle commenced a systematic course of breeding, which soon called 
public attention to the herds of Argyleshire ; in course of time the 
superior quality of his stock was communicated to all the cattle of the 
Highlands, and has since served as a basis for their continued excel- 
lence and improvement. The Hebridean farmers especially, declare 
that the Kyloes are as nearly perfect, for that locality, as may be, and 
assert positively that outcrosses, whenever tried, have only tended to 
render the offspring less hardy without increasing either quality or 
quantity of beef. Several importations have recently been made to the 
United States and Canada, and we may confidently look for more exten- 
sive introduction in the future. 

DESCRIPTION . 

Color black ; until late years, this color was not so strictly ad- 
hered to — brown, brindle, dun and other colors were nearly as common 
as black; even now, while the fashionable Kyloe'must be black, there 
are many animals of equal merit showing other colors; indeed we are in- 
clined to agree with Prof. Low when he says : 

"The breeders should look to the essential character of form, without limiting 
themselves to a black color of the hair, which is a property altogether secondary." 

The face is broad, tapering to a narrow muzzle, and showing a 
gradual dish or curvature from the horns to the nose. The eyes are 
prominent, bright and restless ; ears well carried, and thickly covered 
with hair ; horns middle sized, broad and waxy at base, and curving 
upward to sharp points of a darker shade ; neck short, with considerable 

215 



2l6 



WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 




WEST HIGHLAND BULL. 

(English Engra\'ing 1 



WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 217 

dewlap ; back wide and straight, with full crops and even loin ; ribs well 
sprung, and dropping to somewhat flattened sides. A striking pecu- 
liarity of the Kyloe is found in the small space between the hips and 
the last floating ribs. The lumbar region is remarkably short and 
strong, a provision rendered necessary by the moun<-ainous character of 
their native country, and admirabl}' fitting them for mountainous or 
hilly ranges wherever found. The hind quarters are full, deep and 
fleshed well down to the hock — twist low ; fore quarters wide apart, deep 
and heavy ; brisket very full and projecting well forward ; legs short, 
straight and strong boned. The skin is mellow, "handling" remarkably 
well, and the hair is long, thick and more or less wavy — curled hair is 
considered an objection. In general we may say : The Kyloe is a com 
pact, blocky built, neat looking, middle horned animal of dark color and 
medium size. Mature bulls weigh frofn i,ioo to i,6oo lbs.; cows from 
700 to 1,000 lbs. 

CHARACTERISTICS. 

The West Highland breed has two very strongly marked character- 
istics — (i) hardiness; and (2) excellent beef qualities. To use a western 
expression, the Kyloe is a good " rustler" — that is, he is entirely capa- 
ble of taking excellent care of himself if given a reasonable opportunit}'. 
Trained for generations to range over pastures always hilly and some- 
times scant, and sheltered only by the rocks and ravines of his native 
range, it is no wonder that the modern K3'loe is superlatively hardy. 
Why they have not been introduced more extensively in the ranges 
13'ing along the foot hills of the Rocky Mountains, is only explained by 
the push and energy of Hereford, Angus and Galloway breeders , and 
the mania — we can call it nothing else — among Americans, for breeding 
size without regard to vigor. Certainly it would be hard to imagine a 
better stock for the broken range country of the western United States 
than is found in this vigorous and impressive breed. 

And now comes the second point in his favor — meat excellence 
Facts are stubborn things, and the fact that Kyloe or West Highland 
beef has almost invariablj' commanded a higher price in the London 
markets than beef of other breeds, speaks volumes in its favor. We 
must remember, however, that the Kyloes have never yet been in such 
demand as to shut off the annual supply of thoroughbred beef ; while 
with some of the more popular breeds, nothing has found its way to 
the shambles, except the inferior animals — too poor for breeding pur- 
poses. That the West Highland beef is really better than the marbled 
beef of either Galloway, Angus or Hereford, we are much inclined to 
doubt ; but. that Kyloe beef is as good as the best there can be no 
question. As work cattle, we have little knowledge concerning them ; 
the people of the Highlands have always been essentially stock raisers. 



2l8 



WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 




WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. ^ 219 

and there has been consequently small demand for oxen trained to the 
yoke. They possess the essential properties — activity and strength — 
and with training, would undoubtedly rank high for this purpose. 
Nothing is claimed for the Kyloe cow in the dairy ; she gives sufficient 
milk to bring up her calf in excellent condition, and, for the range, 
nothing more is desired. 

The engraving of cow and calf was prepared expressly for the 
Breeder's Gazette of Chicago, and the kindness of the Gazette people in 
parting with an electro for our use is acknowledged, with thanks. 



Chapter XLVI. 



TEXAS CATTLE. 

On the ranges of the Southwest have existed for many years vast 
herds of cattle, which by their pecuhar characters — effectually trans- 
mitted to their offspring — may be classed as a breed. Although known 
as "Texas Cattle," the same race extends throughout Mexico, and has 
been pretty well scattered through the more northern and western ter- 
ritories of the United States. According to Allen (American Cattle), 
"they are the descendants of the early Spanish stock introduced into 
Mexico in the i6th century ;" and this is undoubtedlj' correct, as a com- 
parison of Texas cattle with the modern cattle of Spain would show — 
even at this time, after centuries of changed conditions — a marked 
similarit}'. 

The same original stock must also have furnished a nucleus for the 
now almost countless bovine population of South America. In this 
connection we quote Prof. Low (Domestic Animals of Great Britain) : 

"The origin of those amazing herds which cover the plains of Paraguay, Buenos 
Ayres and other noble provinces is traced by Spanish writers to the arrival, by way of 
Brazil, of seven cows and a bull from Andalusia, at the City of Assumption, on the Para- 
guay, in the year 1556." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color varies; light dun and mouse color are, perhaps, most com- 
mon, but red, yellow and black — and each with all stj'les of white 
markings — are found. A point alread}' mentioned in the chapter on 
Jerseys is the usually lighter color of the hair bordering the muzzle — a 
peculiarit}' doubtless derived from the cattle of Spain, where it is com- 
monly observed. In size they vary according to the quality of range, 
but as a rule are small — bulls weighing from 1,000 to 1,200 lbs. ; cows 
from 600 to 900 lbs. Texas steers at four years old, grass fat, generally 
weigh from 900 to 1,200 lbs. The distinguishing feature lies in the 
extraordinary size of the horns : these assume various wide, spreading 
shapes, sometimes measuring upwards of four feet from tip to tip. 

The coM-s are practically worthless for the dair}' — few giving more 
than one or two gallons per da}- on good feed ; but the value of the race 
to the whole country where it finds a natural home can hardlj' be over- 
estimated. The improved breeds have found in this hardy stock a 
basis which receives most kindly the blood of improvement ; indeed, but 

220 



TEXAS CATTLE. 



221 



m 

X 



m 
m 




222 TEXAS CATTLE. 

for Texas cattle, the Southwest would wait long years before possessing 
many herds of improved varieties. It is wonderful what results obtain 
in a few years from a single improved bull, placed with Texas cows. 
There is no dying of such offspring by acclimating fever, and if the bull 
only survives until the cows are served, he has more than repaid his 
cost. It is this fact which has stimulated the demand for thoroughbred 
bulls during the last decade, and placed thousands upon thousands 
of Hereford, Aberdeen, Galloway, Shorthorn and other grades upon our 
ranges. The breed originally known as Texas Cattle will, before many 
years, be a thing of the past, but its descendants, combining the blood 
of improved varieties, will give a different character in the future to 
Texas cattle sold for eastern markets. 

The engraving is an exact reproduction of a photograph taken 
under our immediate direction August 4, 1888, and may be accepted as 
a fair likeness of a native Texas ox. (The horns of the animal repre- 
sented in the illustration measured — at time the photograph was taken 
— three feet five inches from tip to tip, and the animal — five years old — 
weighed about 1,000 lbs.) 



Chapter XLVII. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGE- 
MENT OF CATTLE. 

As already noted in the summary of .part second, we have consid- 
ered the breeds of cattle under three heads — dairy, general-purpose and 
beef. Each of the known families of cattle must be classed under one 
of these divisions, and for whatever purpose bred, will all be subject to 
the same general principles of care and handling. 

In these days of specialists and "experts," even the breeders of 
stock have caught the contagion, and lines are drawn so closely between 
dairy and beef types, that it is an absolute necessity to refer to some 
intermediate class the many breeds which are valuable in both extremes, 
but supreme in neither. Cattle are no longer chosen entirely with ref- 
erence to size, weight and rounded contour ; but the peculiar qualities 
of each animal are as carefully estimated, and for these qualities the 
animal as quickly appropriated to satisfy some taste or special judg- 
ment, as any other commodity, subject to the inevitable law of supply 
and demand. There is ample room for every improved breed of cattle, 
which has been, or in the future may be, established ; and we have 
little patience with such narrow views as prompt a breeder to decry all 
other breeds but his. To advance one's interests by setting forth the 
good qualities of his wares is perfectly legitimate ; but to attempt to 
advance one breed by tearing down another is pernicious, and will 
sooner or later destroy public confidence, not only in the men, but also 
in the breed they champion so unwisely. 

In deciding the question as to which breed will prove most profit- 
able, a man must be governed largely by : (i) The natural conditions 
of soil and climate ; (2) nearness to market or shipping facilities ; (3) 
the relative cost of outfits and materials for carrying on the different 
lines of work ; (4) the cost and scarcity or abundance of competent 
labor ; (5) the probabilities of fluctuation in market value, or the rela- 
tive cost of holding over to meet a more favorable market ; and (6), most 
important of all, the peculiar fitness of the man, either by natural 
ability, taste or education, for one of the special lines of work to which 
the various breeds are severally adapted. 

It will thus be seen how impracticable it is to give advice on selec- 
tion of the "best" breed, and how utterly worthless such advice must be 

223 



224 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

unless given with intimate knowledge of all the peculiar conditions we 
have mentioned, and many others which will doubtless occur to the 
thinking reader. There are, however, certain points which may be given 
as an aid to individual selection, and of these we mention: 

First. — The animal should be carefully studied, with reference to 
some standard description of the breed to which it belongs; such a de- 
scription we have aimed to give in each Chapter devoted to a breed, and 
no animal should be selected for breeding purposes that does not show, 
in appearance or progeny, the dominant character of its particular breed. 

Second. — If a cow desired for the dairj-, she should have the typi- 
cal milk wedge; that is, as seen either from above or from the side, a V- 
shaped outline, with the apex forward. The fore region maj' be rather 
light in appearance, but the barrel must graduall}- deepen to the Ifank, 
joining the udder in an almost continuous line, as though the entire body 
were a portion — as indeed it is — of the milk machine. As to shape and 
appearance of the udder, breed characteristics must largely govern, but 
we may say in general that a well-formed udder should be large only 
when distended with milk; when empty it should appear small, and will 
usually hang in loose folds or wrinkles. As a rule, those cows having 
broad udders close up to the body, but spreading well forward and back, 
may be expected to give a good quantity of milk, while the cows with 
rather narrow and longer udders — "bottle-shaped" — will usuallj- give a 
better quality as to butter content. The so-called milk veins, running 
from the udder region on either side of the abdomen forward, should be 
irregular and puffy, rather than straight and even; a rich 3'ellow colored 
skin is usually an excellent indication of value in the butter line, and a 
soft, glossy coat, is an invariable accompaniment of health. 

The escutcheon or "milk mirror," consists of hair turned in a re- 
verse direction from that grown on other parts of the body, anei is found 
on the udder — spreading forward and backward, and between the thighs, 
covering a greater or less surface according to the milking capacity of 
the animal. As previously stated, we shall not undertake a description 
of the various classes and orders of escutcheons outlined b}' Guenon; 
the system is of sufficient importance to justify all the comment, favor- 
able and otherwise, which it has provoked, and we can do no less than 
advise a careful study of the subject before deciding as to its practical 
utility. In our own experience, we have found the Guenon sj'stem of 
much value. The escutcheon cannot, in our opinion, be relied on as the 
only expression of good or bad milking qualit}', but if properly- used in 
conruection with other milk signs it furnishes a most valuable aid in the 
selection of dairy stock. Finally, and most important of all, be sure 
that the animal has a feminine look; a decided cowy appearance, espe- 
cially of the head, not onlj' indicates milking promise, but may also be 
accepted as a uniform sign of docility. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 



225 



The typical outline for meat excellence should be sought in an ani- 
mal full and even at all points, but expecially well rounded at the parts 
which carry beef of highest price and quality. Animals which lay on fat 
m bunches are objectionable, as are, also, those which carry an immense 
bony frame-too large to be ever fully loaded. To put the matter in a 
nut-shell : In selecting for beef, choose always the animal which will 
dress the largest amount of high-priced beef and the least proportion of 
low-priced beef and offal. The parts to be favored then, are: shoulders 
fore ribs, loms, haunches and hams; and the parts to be curtailed as 
much as possible are: head, neck, legs and belly. Beef is the end— 
If not the aim-of all cattle, and on the great ranges of the West, until 
the fertile prairies are dotted with settlers' homes, the beef breeds will 
hold an undisputed sway. 

Third.— Between these two extremes of milk and beef stands the 
general-purpose animal-the one of all others which must always play a 
prominent part in the economy of thousands of small farms throughout 
the United States. The small farmer demands a cow which will not 
only furnish a fair quantity of milk and butter, but also carry at the 
same time a frame of good size, and show a natural tendency to flesh 
when not m milk. Steers from such cows make profitable feeders and 
the cows themselves when rendered unfit for breeding by any cause as 
accident or age, may be fed for the butcher and turned into cash at 
minimum loss. To select such an animal, requires ability to discover 
and appreciate the good points, when partially hidden by others of per 
haps equal worth, but opposite indications. With this perceptive 
abihty, and a knowledge of the good points of both beef and dairy 
types, a man will experience little difficulty in selecting cattle for any 
desired purpose. 

Concerning care and management for the herd, we are pleased to 
present the following letters from practical breeders in different portions 
of the United states : 

Holstein-Friesians. 

"Lakeside Farm, Syracuse, N. Y., July 24, :8S8. 
. * * * * " ^''- methods of feeding and caring for our stock are extremely 
simple. Ca ves are taken from dams when a day or two old and fed for a few weeks 
new, full milk ; then, as the calf gets age and strength, we take away the full milk and 
m Its place give centrif ugally separated skim-milk. We also give, dry, a small amount of 
ground oats and wheat bran, the amount of either food depending on the condition and 
assimilative powers of the animal. As the animal develops, we add to the amount of 
dry and liquid food given, as we think the calf will digest and assimilate it, until it 
reaches an age and development that warrants taking the milk away and supplying hay 
and gram. We always leave a little hay in manger, that the calf may eat ad libL., I„ 
summer we send the females to pasture, and the males are kept in stable, but are given 
frequent exercise in open air yards or paddocks. We commence using the bulls at 
about a year old. We aim to breed the heifers, conditions being favorable, when about 
15 to 16 months old, so that they will calve after two years old. As the time approaches 



226 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

for calving, the heifer is put in a box stall and carefully watched, and during calving if 
necessary, assistance is given. For the first few days after calving, very little grain food 
is given, and that largely bran ; then, as she gains strength, we gradually add in quantity 
and quality of grain food, the amount depending entirely on the individual and its 
powers of digestion and assimilation, but in a mixture of two parts of wheat bran to one 
of ground oats and one-fourth of one part of oil meal, which is our mixture for cows, 
where quantity of milk is required, or, if feeding for butter, one part each of corn meal, 
ground oats and bran, and one-fourth of one part of oil meal, the amount per capita 
would be from 4 to 12 pounds per day. 

" Our milch cows are milked two or three times a day, as circumstances dictate, and 
are fed at each milking, which is done in the stable, grain feed being fed dry. In sum- 
mer,' cows run in pasture ; they are fed soiling foods, such as rye, clover, oats or corn in 
stable, when pastures are poor. In winter corn or clover ensilage is fed, with an alter- 
nate feeding of hay. 

" The milk of each cow is carefully weighed separately, and the amount set down at 
the time on a blackboard conveniently placed, and each day transferred to a book made for 
the purpose ; the milk is then taken to the creamery where it is thoroughly strained 
through a perforated tin strainer and four thicknesses of cheese-cloth into a large tank ; 
from there it goes into a smaller tank, and thence into the De Laval Separator. The 
skim or separated milk is run into a tank, from which it is drawn as needed. 1 he 
cream is put in large vessels and allowed to acidify, and then churned in a cubic churn 
propelled by steam power. When the butter is in the grain, the buttermilk is drawn off, 
and the butter thoroughly washed in clear, cold water ; it is then taken to the butter- 
worker, and salt added, one ounce to the pound of butter, then packed away in a cold 
rDom, and next day taken out, worked and packed for market, 

" We use no cotton-seed meal or concentrated or highly stimulating foods, nor any 
drink other than pure water. Scrupulous cleanliness is used in caring for both calves 
and cows, milk and butter. 

"We keep our service bulls in stalls, and fasten them with chain from ring in 
the nose, and also from strap around the neck. They are so placed as to be able to see 
each other, and we think this tends to make them fearlesi of strangers and accustomed to 
company. These bulls we feed very sparingly of grain, and give hay and soiling foods in 
summer and ensilage in winter. 

"Yours truly, SMITHS, POWELL & LAMB." 

The above is an excellent type of well-planned, thorough system. 
Lakeside Farm has become very widely known for the high class of its 
stock and dairy products, and the success attained is explained b}' the 
above outline of actual methods pursued. 

Jerseys. 

Manor, Tex., July 16, 1888. 

■ ' "•■■" *- s » My stock run in pasture in all except the very severest 
weather. Young things by themselves until old enough to breed, when they are turned 
into the large pasture with the others. The time of their breeding is noted. Unless in 
thin order, no feed is given to heifers or dry cows in the grass season. Cows giving milk 
are fed all the time on cotton-seed, shelled oats and crushed corn and cob meal, with hay 
or corn fodder as I happen to have. If a cow is to drop calf in winter, she is carefully 
watched, and stabled in roomy box stall well littered. If the weather is mild, she is left 
in pasture. {No mules in pasture). As soon as the calf is dropped, the cow is milked out 
clean. 

" The calf is allowed to suck until it is three or four days old, when it is removed 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 22/ 

and afterwards never allowed to suck, but fed on whole milk fresh from the cow till it is 
four to six weeks old, when sweet skim milk is gradually substituted. At first the skim 
milk is slightly warmed, but afterwards, unless in exceeding cold weather, no warming is 
done. I have never had a case of milk fever or other trouble about calving, nor do my 
calves ever suffer from scours. If an animal appears constipated, a dose of salts or ' liver 
regulator ' is given, but I doctor very little. In bad weather everything is sheltered and 
fed, the main food for everything being cotton-seed. In fact, except to cows in milk, 
cotton-seed, with access to straw stack and pasture, is the only feed. 

" I have lost a few head from Black Leg, but believe it can be prevented — not cured 
if it is very far advanced. When an animal dies, all the young and susceptible animals 
are at once given a mild cathartic and antiseptic. Have used copperas, tablespoonful, 
with about as much of the dry powder Simmons' Liver Regulator, or one level teaspoon- 
ful salicylic acid and heaping teaspoonful of sulphite of soda ; in either case, the dose is 
repeated for two or three days. I have stopped three outbreaks — losing none after 
beginning treatment. 

" In short, I follow nature as nearly as I can, depending on grass, good water and pure 
air for all. For about three months, stable ; remainder of time in open lots ; calves on 
grass from two weeks old. Very truly, &c., L. B. GILES." 

The above gives an idea of how the dairy herd is handled where 
cotton-seed is the main or staple food. While we are not of opinion 
that cotton-seed is the best food for cows in milk, yet there is no doubt 
that it and its product after extraction of the oil — cotton-seed meal — 
are the most valuable concentrated food-stuffs which the Southern dairy- 
man can command. Fairly good — even excellent — butter is made from 
the milk of cows fed largely on cotton-seed meal, but its best effect is 
had when combined in smaller proportions with food-stuffs less rich in 
protein. Mr. Giles has certainly made an excellent showing in way of 
handling calves ; there are few herds where calves are reared by hand 
that do not occasionally suffer from attacks of the scours, and Mr. Giles' 
success in this respect is probably due to the fact that he makes accurate 
note of the animal's condition from the time it is born. 

Devons. 

Nashville, Tenn., July 19, 1888. 
"* * * * As a breeder of Devons, having as the principal object in 
-view the sale of young animals, it is necessary first that there should be absolute purity 
of blood ; this is secured by starting with pure bred cows and bulls, and as the bull is by 
much the largest part of the herd, extraordinary care is taken in his selection. No bull 
in my herd is inbred to his own calves, and although I do not part with a bull which I 
•consider good, when his heifers come of age to be bred, another bull of different strain is 
bought to serve them. My heifers are bred not under two years old, and are placed with 
the bull in the month of July, so that the first calf of the heifer will be dropped in April 
or May, thus giving an opportunity for the udder to be expanded by the spring grazing. 
Of 16 heifersbeing bred this season, the youngest was dropped 2nd September, 1886, so 
that the youngest heifer will be at least 31 months old at calving, and most of them three 
years old. My object in this is to give stamina and constitution, both to the cows and 
their progeny, which I think are greatly impaired by the very early breeding practiced by 
some breeders, in the great desire to get quick returns. After the first calf is dropped, I 
■do not consider it of much importance in our climate at what season the calf comes, so 



228 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

ray bull runs with the herd of milk cows all the time, and calves are being dropped by my 
cows at all seasons of the year, the time between calves running from lo to 12 months. 

" The bull is driven to the cow-house regularly every night with the milk cows, and 
in my experience of twelve years as a breeder of Devons, buying a new bull about every 
two years, I have never had a vicious bull. This may be attributed in part to the docility 
of the breed, but I think it also partly attributable to the manner in which they are kept. 
All of my cows (twin calves or some rare cases excepted) are milked night and morning 
in order to protect and develop the milking habit, but not enough is taken from them to 
stint the calves, who finish the job and take what the milkman has left, and no great com- 
plaint is made about the quantity of the milk which goes to the dairy so long as the calves 
are fat. 

"Calves are turned out to pasture every morning, and when weaned at six to eight 
months old, are put upon pasture. During the winter months the weaned calves have as 
much hay — red-top, timothy or clover— as they can eat, and once each day are fed with 
grain (cornmeal, coarsely ground) enough to keep them in good condition. Cows are 
milked in the cow-house in stall, with rope halter fastened around the neck, and are fed 
every time they are milked — during the summer very lightly, just a little being put in 
their troughs to keep them quiet ; but in winter, all the finely-cut hay they can eat, and 
coarsely ground cornmeal as a grain ration. Except in extremely severe weather in win- 
ter, cows are turned out every day and night. Loose boxes about 10x20 feet are provided 
for cows which calve in the winter, and in summer small pastures near by, in which cows 
are put a few days before calving. Such is my system ; the result : gentle bulls, healthy 
cows, breeding regularly up to the age of 18 or 20 years, and healthy calves, kept easily 
all ihe time in good growing condition, but never pampered until they look fat enough 
for prize beef. Truly, 

■EDWARD D. HICKS " 

Mr. Hicks knows how to handle Devons for profit. His plan of 
letting the bull run with the cows is one which must be carefully regu- 
lated as to number of cows admitted if the sire is to be kept in prime 
breeding shape ; but, when so managed, is very satisfactory. It is the 
practice usually adopted by all breeders of range stock, certainly tends 
to render the bull more easily subject to control, and cannot fail to find 
plenty of advocates. His method of rearing calves will make fine beef 
animals, but, if continually practiced — one generation after another — 
will surely tend to destroy whatever capacity for large milk yield a breed 
may have originally possessed. As we have stated — "Nature" is all right 
in her way, but a considerable amount of "Art" has always been re- 
quired to increase the dairy excellence of any breed. His practice is 
correct, inasmuch as it fills the demand for beauty of form, fattening 
propensity, and early maturity which a majority of Devon purchasers 
have created ; but we confess to a feeling of disappointment that the 
Devon breed is not more strongly stimulated to bring into greater 
prominence its inherent dairy worth. 

Red-Polled and Sliorthorn Grades. 

"Temple, Texas August 20, 1SS8. 
* * * * 

" I begin with calves ; pen everything each night ; keep plenty of salt in the lot at 

all times; throw them a batch of shucks or cut corn — all of which has a tendency to 

make them gentle and docile. I breed them young, let the calves come at 24 and 30 months 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 22g 

old, then feed well. I think that makes better milkers. It has, however, a tendency to 
dwarf the heifer— she never gets so large when so treated. My cattle are all ' muleys.' 
I can feed twelve head in a 12-foot trough and not crowd them. I use young bulls a little 
at one year old— say ten cows that year. I keep ray bull up in day-time with calves all 
the spring, and turn him out at night ; it makes him much gentler and more docile. I 
keep a ring in each bull's nose after one year old. I dehorn when calves, if they have 
horns at birth. I feed milk cows the year round— it pays. I use salt, sulphur and lime 
for my cattle ; don't allow the ticks to accumulate on them. I have my cows milked at 
6 A. M. and 6 p. M., as near as I can. I keep about 20 to 25 head of cattle, which are 
penned where the rain carries the washings from the pen on to the farm, hence the liquid 
manure is saved on the land without much work. 

"Yours truly, W. A. CLARK." 

Mr. Clark is a Texas farmer who has found money in the dairy busi- 
ness. He believes in dehorning, but thinks they should always be re- 
moved when the animal is very young. 

Aitierican Holderness. 

In answer to our request for statement as to methods practiced by 
him, Mr. T. A. Cole, of Solsville, Madison county, N. Y., originator of 
the American Holderness breed, sends a very interesting "write up," 
clipped from the New York ( Weekly) Sun. We make the following ex- 
tract: 

"Rearing Calves.— As may be inferred, nearly all the calves are raised, and this 
is done in addition to the average annual yield per cow of 300 pounds of butter. At first 
they are fed exclusively on new milk, but gradually skimmed milk is added and the new 
milk is diminished, until, at the end of three or four weeks, nothing but skimmed milk is 
fed. To make up for the loss of cream, a little dry oil-meal is given them daily to lick. 
They are all shut up together on a floor 24x36 feet, which has been littered with the cobs 
from 500 or 600 bushels of corn. On these they caper and lis, the cobs absorbing all 
droppings, and the action of the calves keeping the cobs stirred up and clean. On these 
they are kept out of storm and sun until the room is wanted for storing hay. Then they 
are turned out to grass, but are given their sour milk rations until about the ist of Octo- 
ber. After this the sour milk, not wanted for the few pigs intended for the family pork, is 
given to the cows. The horses, all summer long, receive regularly a ration of buttermilk, 
which they appear to relish exceedingly. Care is taken that young animals shall continue 
m a healthy, thriving condition, but they are not permitted to become excessively fat, 
lest they acquire a tendency to put on fat rather than expend their energies in filling the 
milk pail. By in-breeding and this care, the cows are all remarkably uniform in their 
milk-producing qualities, both as to quantity and richness. Mr. Cole says this uniformity 
extends to the raising of the cream, and the time required to churn it— one cow's milk 
being as like another's as one-half a mess is like the other half. So completely does all 
the butter come at the same time, that he has tried in vain to get an additional yield of 
butter by churning the buttermilk. The separation appears to be complete at the end 
of the first churning. " 

The main point which we wish to mention in the practice of Mr. 
Cole, is the one of allowing the calves to bed on corn cobs. The idea 
is a good one, and if put in general practice among Western farmers 
would soon do away with the unhealthy odors too frequently found in 
the calf-pen. His practice of feeding back to the cows the surplus 
skim product from the dairy is rapidly growing in favor, and is giving 
excellent results. 



230 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEAIENT OF CATTLE. 

Shortlwrns. 

"Centre Grove Farm, Durant, Iowa, July 28, 18SS. 
H- * * * 

"We are breeding Shorthorns £or both milk and beef, so our methods may differ 
from those who bred exclusively for beef or exclusively for milk. Every breed has its 
office, and we believe the milking Shorthorn must fill a large demand made by the 
general farmer, who wants a good milch cow that will raise a good, easy-keeping, early 
maturing steer. To fill this now rapidly increasing demand, we are breeding and feeding 
the noble 'Red, White and Roan,' and the following are our methods : 

" We keep our bulls in a separate pasture by themselves, where, if possible, no cows 
will be near them. Mature bulls will keep in good order on grass alone ; growing bulls 
get a light ration of oats and bran twice a day. The breeding bulls get lots of exercise, 
even in winter, when they are turned out in tight yards on fine days. Ours are now tied 
in stalls at night, but we think running loose in box stalls would be preferable. 

' ' Heifers, cows and calves are run in separate pastures as much as'possible. Pas- 
tures are of mixed grasses, blue grass predominating. Water and plenty of shade com- 
plete the outfit, and for eight months of the year the cow is content. Green fodder, 
however, is sometimes given during August ; this is relished as a change. Pumpkins are 
also thrown to them during this dry time. Rock salt in each pasture affords them a sure 
supply of that necessity. 

' ' Cows are mated at the first 'heat' after the calf is dropped, unless in thin flesh, 
when more time is given. The first heat is surest to 'hold'. Heifers are bred at from 
18 to 20 months, according to size and flesh. If getting too fat, we breed them 
younger, as excessive fat in a heifer is liable to produce barrenness. We try to 
prevent calves coming in July, August, January and February. 

" Pregnant cows are handled much the same as the other cows. The calf should be 
weaned when its dam is five or six months pregnant, and the cow should be milked awhile 
and then dried off. The remaining three months of rest should enable the cow to put on 
flesh, and gain strength for the coming calf. If necessary, such cows are fed extra to 
produce this condition. We expect the calf on or about the 280th day, but watch closely 
from the 270th day. If on grass, keeping confined on light, loose food (bran and oil- 
meal, &c.,) for a week or more before and after calving, to prevent milk-fever, and to 
be present at parturition and save the calf. Great care is exercised to prevent pregnant 
cows from being chased by dogs, gored by other cattle, wading through deep mud, or 
eating mouldy or ergotized fodder. Sometimes feed a little flaxseed about the 270th day, 
to help her 'clean' well. 

"When a cow begins to show signs of calving, the attendant stays near until all is 
safe, usually in the box stall with her. Some say that the cow prefers to be alone, but I 
think our cows like to have me there ; they know I am there to help them. * * 
As soon as the calf is delivered, I leave the cow and calf alone for a time, then feed her 
bran mashes (warm) and give tepid water. The cow is then milked three times a day 
for a few days, and twice a day for a few weeks (or months) till the calf can take all and 
not physic him. 

" If the calf sucks and his bowels move once during the first six hours, he is fairly 
started on the road to market. We allow him to stay in a stall with his dam for a few 
days, and after that they are together only at night. During the daytime he plays with 
his mates, and early learns to eat oats, which are placed within his reach. This feeding 
is continued during the first year, and sometimes the second winter also. Calves run in a 
separate lot during the day, and after the cows have been partly milked the calves are 
put with them. 

" Ata very early age (two to four months'), the bull calves are taken from among the 
heifers and placed in another lot. They are all weaned at from six to twelve months, ac- 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 23I 

cording to the condition o£ the calf and cow, and the state of succeeding pregnancy. 
After the first year we expect them to keep in good condition on grass alone ; many will 
be ready for market at any time. 

" Our grain ration for young stock bulls and suckling cows is three parts of oats, 
three of bran, three of corn and one of oil meal. This is varied very much, however, to 
suit the animal and the season. We very seldom feed corn alone ; often feed oats alone. 
Raise a few wurtzels to feed in winter as a change. Some corn-fodder is cut in early 
September and fed, ears and all, during cold snaps, besides the regular hay diet of stock 
cattle. Fine blue grass pastures are allowed to grow during the fall months, affording 
much nutritious food for stock during the warm winter days, when there is no snow. 

' ' Such are about the methods now in use at Centre Grove Farm. Of course, some- 
thing is learned each year to cause us to make some slight changes. When changes are 
made, however, we hope they are for the better. 

"C. W. NORTON & SON, /e;- OAK." 

We should like to make a great many comments — mostly favorable 
— on the above, but space forbids mention of more than the main points 
suggested by the outline given. Our friend "Oak" is right — there is 
no doubt that the cows like to have him around at the "labor " period ; 
kindness to the brute creation is never thrown away, and cows brought 
up under such careful treatment as that pursued at Centre Grove Farm 
always crave and appreciate the attention given. The practice of sepa- 
rating the bull calves from the heifers at an early age should be em- 
phasized — and the hints on breeding cows and heifers will bear reading 
twice. If they are breeding for both milk and beef, as noted, it is pre- 
sumed that the calves are not allowed to do all the milking — and at ir- 
regular intervals, although it is not so stated — otherwise we should think 
the tendency would be more toward beef. 

Another point we may notice briefly is the practice of keeping the 
bull entirely away from the cows except at time of immediate service. 
There is no doubt that — if mental condition at time of coupling has and 
effect on the offspring — that effect will be more strongly marked by such 
practice. We have tried both plans, and while many are in favor of 
permitting the cows and bulls to run at farthest in adjoining pastures, 
we believe — if separated at all — the separation should be complete. The 
only question that can be raised is one of disposition; it has been stated 
that bulls kept in sight of cows will be more easily managed, but in our 
own experience the reverse has been true, and we are pretty well satisfied 
that to keep a bull in good temper, he must either run with the cows 
and be handled with them, or be kept entirely separate except at time of 
service. 

[On Saturday, September 21, i88g, Oak G. Norton died at his 
home, after a short period of intense suffering, from inflammation of the 
bowels. A young man's death is always sad, yet doubly so when he is 
blessed with such abundant power for good as rested in our strong young 
friend. Young as he was, his name was known throughout the West as 
that of a rising breeder of more than usual public and private worth, 



232 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

and in his death, while we have lost a friend in whom we had the utmost 
confidence, the world has lost much more — an honest, able man.] 

Holsteiii-Friesians. 

'"Westburg Farm, Jesup, I.\., August 29, 1888. 
* * * * 

' ' As to age of breeding, my practice at the outset was to breed so that each heifer 
would have her first calf at or near the age of three years. My own observations, and 
the milk records I have taken for five years, have not yet been sufficiently numerous to 
enable me to decide definitely. As to diminishing size by early breeding, I can only say 
that I have heifers which calved at two and two and one-quarter years, as large as those 
that calved at three and three and one-quarter years. As to milk flow, I am inclined to 
think early breeding is preferable. I prefer to breed as nearly as possible in December, 
January and February; just as good (if not better) calves can be raised in a warm barn 
through the winter as in summer. Milk being worth more in November, December, Jan- 
uary and February, I find it more profitable to have thera come at this time ; in summer, 
milk is worth 45 to 60 cents per 100 lbs., and in winter 85 cents to $1.10 per 100 lbs. 
I avo^d having cows come in during warm weather, as I think them more liable to have 
parturient apoplexy. 

' ' I have practiced various ways of rearing calves ; have seen little or no difference 
in size and constitution between feeding calves the fresh milk three times per day until 
they are six weeks old, and iu allowing them to suck the cow to this time. My general 
practice is to allow them to suck at least seven or eight times. I have never taken a calf 
from the cow as soon as dropped. As far as milk flow and size are concerned, I am 
prepared to believe that calves reared on sweet skira-milk and oats for a time after they 
are four to six weeks old, make just as good cows as those allowed fresh milk for six 
months. I think that calves allowed to suck the cow for say five or six months, develop 
a habit of laying on fat, and do not generally make as valuable cows for milk on that 
account. 

" My practice, in summer feeding of cows has been to give a small allowance of bran 
— say one to one and a-half lbs. at a feed — even while the pasture was good. It saves 
much of the labor in driving from the pasture, aside from contributing to the volume of 
the manure ; it saves also time and muscle necessary in driving them in the bcru prior to 
milking. For winter feeding, I aim to mix 50 lbs. of bran with 64 lbs. of ground oats and 
56 lbs. of ground corn. Of this mixture I approximate the needs of different cows ; have 
fed as high as 24 lbs. per day to a cow weighing 1,200 lbs., and giving 65 to 67 lbs. milk 
per day ; have fed five to six lbs. at a feed to cows giving 30 to 35 lbs. per day. Have 
practiced mixing this ground feed on a small allowance of wet cut hay, and am confident, 
from the appearance of the excrement, that a great benefit resulted from this practice. 

' ' I think that, as a general thing, twice a day is sufficient for milking. I have milked 
several cows that gave large messes three times a day, for at least one month after 
calving, and afterwards twice a day. Larger milk records can be made, of course, by 
milking three times a day throughout the year. A fresh cow, especially, should be 
milked quite regularly, while a cow that has given milk six months will not be affected 
very much by a little delay in milking. I aim to milk all cows regularly. When at the 
height of their flow in summer, I think they ought to be milked about 5 a. m. and 4:30 p. 
iM. A heavy milker usually secretes the most milk from morning to night. 

"I have practiced selling milk to creameries by the 100 lbs., receiving back at differ- 
ent times, the set skim and the separated skim-milk ; have also set the milk at home in ice 
water, at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, for 12 hours, and sold the unsalted butter. As to 
separated skim-milk from creameries, that require the milk hauled but once a day, I have 
decided to my satisfaction that it is much less profitable than set skim-milk, either 36 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 23J 

hours or 12 hours old — just the relative differer.ce I am not aware has ever been settled. 
Calves fed on separated skim-milk, reared in this vicinity, are certainly not so thrifty and 
large as those raised a few years ago on set skim-milk. 

' ' There is very great difference of opinion among men as to keeping cows in the barn 
during winter. My practice is to keep them in during all snow storms and blizzards, and 
all days when the thermometer is at zero or below. I turn them out two or three times a 
day for water, and as soon as they are through drinking put them back — cleaning out the 
stables while they are in. The temperature should be above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 
when the cattle are in the barn. Truly yours, 

■'J. N. MUNCEY " 

Mr. Muncey is one of our careful, accurate breeders, well qualified 
by taste and an extended education to solve some of the actual problems 
of the day. The point he mentions (difference in feeding value between 
"set-skim" — the skim-milk left when cream is removed, after setting 
milk away for a number of hours — and "separated skim-milk" — the 
product from centrifugal cream separators) is one of considerable in- 
terest. In the South, especially, the centrifugal process is of peculiar 
value, saving ice — a costly commodity — by reason of greatly decreased 
bulk in handling; and if, as Mr. Muncey suggests, the skim product 
from the machine is inferior to that from the set milk, some way must 
be found to remedy the defect. As a matter of fact, later experiments 
have shown that the addition of a small quantity' of flaxseed tea, or oil 
meal gruel, to the separated skim milk effectuall}' overcomes the objec- 
tion mentioned by Mr. Muncey, and renders the separator product as 
valuable as the now old-fashioned set-skim milk was ever claimed to be 
for feeding calves. 




I, Nose; 2, Face; 3, Fore-lock; 4, Ears; 5, Neck; 6, Shoulders; 7. Back; 8, 
Rump, or Quarter; 9, Tail; 10, Ham or Thigh; 11, Dock of the Tail; 12, Lower 
Thighs, or Legs; 13, Hock; 14, Shank or Hind Cannoa ; 15, Onglons, or False 
Hoofs ; 16, Hoof or Foot ; 17, Flank ; 18, Side ; ig, Girth, or Fore-flank ; 20. Knee ; 
21, Front Cannon ; 22, Pastern; 23, Fold, Dewlap, or Throat. 

II, First quality wool, generally known as "refina" or "picklock; b, Second 
quality wool ; c, Third quality wool ; d, Fourth quality wool, generally known 
as "tags." 



23-? 



F'A.RT TMIRn. 



SHBBP. 



SHORT-WOOLED BREEDS. 



Merinos ■ Chapter XLVIII. 

Ativoods 

Paidars 

Dickitisons 

Black-Tops 

Delaines 

Horned Dorsets " XLIX. 

Cheviots " L. 



PAGE 

• 236 
. 241 

• 243 
. 246 

• 249 

• 250 

• 255 

• 257 



MIDDLE-WOOLED BREEDS. 



SoUTHDOWNS Chapter LI. 

Shropshires " LII. 

Hampshires " LIII. 

OXFORDSHIRES " LIV. 



2tO 

264 
271 



LONG-WOOLED BREEDS. 



CoTSWOLDS Chapter 

Leicesters 

LiNCOLNS " 



LV. 
LVI. 



274 

278 

LVII 282 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 
Chapter LVIII 286 



23s 



Chapter XL VIII. 



MERINOS. 

Youatt supposes the Merino sheep a derivation from the old Taren- 
tine breed of Italy. In his book — "Youatt on Sheep" — he says: 

' ' They were the Tarentine breed already described, and which had gradually spread 
from the coast of Syria and the Black Sea, and have now reached the western extremity 
of Europe. Many of them mingled with and improved the native breeds of Spain, while 
others continued to exist as a distinct race, and. meeting with a climate and herbage suited 
to them, retained their original character and value, and were the progenitors of the Merinos 
of the present day." 

Low (1842) says: 

" Upon the whole, although authentic documents on the subject are wanting, there 
is presumption that the sheep of Africa were employed to perfect the sheep of Spain with 
respect to the production of wool. The Merinos exhibit certain characters which seem 
to show them to have been derived from some country warmer than that in which they 
were naturalized, and it was during the dominion of the African possessors of the country 
that the wool of Spain arrived at its greatest excellence." 

Stewart in his valuable work, "The Shepherd's Manual," sa3's: 

' ' The Spanish Merino existed as a distinct race 2,000 years ago, and the fine robes of 
the Roman Emperors were made from the wool of Spanish flocks. There is no history 
or tradition as to their origin which can be accepted as reasonable by any practical shep- 
herd. It is probable, however, that the fine-wooled sheep which we read of in the an- 
cient histories were rather the natural product of very favorable conditions of soil and 
climate, by which inferior races were greatly improved, than of any direct efforts to breed 
them up to a desired standard." 

That the Tarentine sheep were taken to Spain at a very early day, 
is proved by the early writers; but there is little doubt that Spain re- 
ceived, at the same time, accessions of African blood from the fine-v/ooled 
flocks of the Barbary States on the other side of the Mediterranean. 

Columella (an ancient rural economist and author of " De Re Rus- 
tica" — a copious treatise on agriculture, in twelve parts — who flourished 
about A. D. 20 to 40), informs us that his uncle (of the same name) took 
with him from Italy to Spain a considerable number of the Tarentine 
sheep, and that he also secured some African rams of singular beauty 
which had been exhibited at Rome. 

Pliny the Younger refers to the "red fleece of Boetica" — an ancient 
district of Spain — in terms of the highest praise, but as the sheep of this 
district have always retained the "red fleece" of which he speaks, and 
as they always differed, and still differ materially, from the Merino breed, 
it is hardly probable that these sheep — supposed to be of Grecian nat'-^' 
ity — had any important place in the immediate origin of the Merino- 

236 



MERINOS. 237 

To the American breeder a close, accurate account of the precise 
origin of Merino sheep would be of considerable interest ; unless some 
as yet unfound history may be discovered, the precise origin of the 
Merino will remain a matter of deduction from circumstantial evidence. 
The Merino is certainly the oldest of surviving breeds, and as its authen- 
tic history is almost co-existent with the history of Spain, we may for all 
practical purposes, and without further question as to its remote ori- 
gin, regard it as a creation of Spanish breeders, who used the finest 
sheep of Italy and Africa, and were further assisted in improving the 
then native flocks by the natural adaptation of Spanish soil and climate 
to the rearing of fine-wooled sheep. 

When the flocks of Spain first came to be in great demand, there 
were found, then as now, two classes, known respectively as " esiantes," 
or stationary, and " iranshumantes," or migratory. The stationary flocks 
are those which remain in a certain district during the year ; while the 
migratory class, on account of scarcity in food or water, make bi-yearly 
journeys in search of fresh pasture. 

From the latter class — generally superior — most of the shipments to 
other countries have been made. 

The French Merino originated from an importation of about 400 
head of sheep, selected from the finest flocks of Spain, in 1786. A few 
had been imported to France nearly a century before this date b}' Jean 
Baptiste Colbert, Minister of Finance to Louis XIV., but they were not 
appreciated, and were soon lost sight of. 

The importation of 400 head, mentioned above, was made by the 
French government during the reign of Louis XVI., and most of the 
sheep were placed on the Royal Farm at Rambouillet, where their im- 
provement was carried on with considerable success ; it was from this 
circumstance that they derived the name "Rambouillet" sheep, by 
which they have been commonly known, The Merinos under French 
management increased in size and weight of fleece, but lost to some de- 
gree the hardiness of their Spanish parents. 

The fleece is fine — -fuUj' equal to Spanish wool — and carries a much 
smaller quantity of yolk. This character, in connection with their in- 
creased size, has made them quite popular in America, the small quan- 
tity of yolk rendering the fleece much less subject to loss of weight in 
washing; but the sheep have not found sufficient favor to push out the 
other smooth-skinned mutton Merinos, which we shall mention later as 
classed among the strictly American families. The wool is fine, beauti- 
fully crimped, usually white but sometimes buff, very compact, and 
opens in large layers. 

The American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders' Association has been 
organized and Vol. I. of the Record published. S. D. Parsons, lona, 
Michigan, is the present secretary. 



23^ MERINOS. 

The Saxon Meri7w originated from a flock of 300 Spanish Merinos 
of the Escurial famil)', sent in 1765, by King Louis XV., to Saxon}', in 
response to the request of his brother-in-law, Prince Xavier. The Escu- 
rial family of Spanish Merinos had ahva3's been noted as bearing the 
finest wool of an}' in the kingdom ; and their Saxon breeders have care- 
fully preserved this, the only really valuable feature of the breed. 
Saxon Merinos require great care and attention — being the least hardy 
of any of the modern Merinos — and, as they yield an average clip of not 
over two or three pounds, the higher price obtained for quality does not 
make up for the marked deficiency in weight of fleece. 

Tlie German or Silesian Merino is the only one (except the American) 
of the Spanish branches which may be called a success. It is the direct 
result of uniting the Infantado and Negretti families of Spanish Merinos, 
and is as purely Spanish in its nature as if really Spanish bred. The 
original importation to Silesia was made in 181 1, by Ferdinand Fischer, 
of Wirchenblatt. This gentleman selected in person 100 Infantado 
ewes and four Negretti rams, and so carefully did he preserve the purity 
of the breed that the pedigree of every sheep since the foundation of 
the flock has been recorded, and no trace of outside blood can be found. 

Silesian Merinos from Mr. Fischer's fiock were first imported to the 
United States about 1850-60, by William Chamberlain, of Duchess Co., 
New York, in all some 250 head, and have since obtained considerable 
favor. The wool is finer than that of the Spanish Merino, and the 
carcass little if an}' smaller. They mature slowly, but are said to be 
hardy and fairly prolific. 

From this brief account of the Merino in other countries, we may 
pass to consider more in detail the modern families which have attained 
popularity on this side of the Atlantic. 

The American Merino. 

The first importations of pure Spanish Merinos to the United States 
were soon lost sight of, through being mixed with other blood : but we 
give them in order, so far as possible, as being of interest to American 
breeders. 

About 1 79 1 four Spanish rams were shipped to the United States, 
and one of them was used in the vicinity of Wilmington, Delaware, until 
1808. In 1793 Hon. William Foster, of Boston, imported from Cadiz 
two Merino ewes and one ram ; these sheep were presented to a friend, 
who, ignorant of their great value, killed and ate them. (Mr. Foster, 
it is said, afterwards caught this same unfortunate friend in the act of 
paying Si, 000 for a Merino ram no better than the one he had eaten.) 

In 1802, however, the first importation of importance was made by 
Col, David Humphreys, of Derby, Conn., then Minister to Spain, and 
from the flock then introduced the modern Atwoods, Dickinsons and 
Black-Tops have sprung. 



MERINOS. 



239 



^^^^'6's^E 

/^^S.'^'^-^^' 




I ~Ji 



^ 



240 JIERINOS. 

Concerning this importation we quote from Vol. I. of the Atwood 
register : 

" Col. Humphreys made a contract with a gentleman to deliver one hundred Spanish 
Merino sheep at Lisbon Ninety of these arrived at Derby, Conn., in the spring of 1S02. 
In reference to this importation Col. Humphreys says, in his miscellaneous papers; 
' Convinced as I was that this race of sheep, of which I believe not one had been brought 
to the United States until the importation by myself, might be introduced with great 
benefit to our country, I contracted with a person of most respectable character to deliver 
me at Lisbon one hundred, composed of twenty-five rams and seventy-five ewes, from 
one to two years old. They were conducted across the country of Portugal by three 
Spanish shepherds with proper passports, and escorted by a small guard of Portuguese 
soldiers. On the loth of April they were embarked from the Tagus on board the ship 
Fcrsez'ci'ancc, of 250 tons, Caleb Coggeshall, Master. In about fifty days twenty-one 
rams and seventy ewes were landed at Derby, Conn., they having been shipped at New 
York on board a sloop destined to that river. The nine that died were principally killed 
in consequence of bruises received by the violent rolling of the vessel on the banks of 
Newfoundland.' " 

The second importation of importance — and the one which, by rea- 
son of its magnitude, has done most to stamp the character of American 
Merinos — was made in 1809-10, by William Jarvis, of Vermont, then 
United States Consul at Lisbon. 

Stewart (" Shepherds' Manual"), referring to the Jarvis importation, 
says: 

"This consisted of 3,850 sheep of the flocks of Paulars, Negrettis, Aquierres and 
Montarcos of Spain. These flocks, consisting of 50,000 head, had been, for political 
reasons, confiscated and sold by the Spanish Government, with other property of the 
four grandees who had owned them. Of the imported sheep, 1,500 came to New York, 
1,000 to Boston, and the remainder to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Alexandria, Norfolk, 
Richmond, Portland, Wiccasset and Portsmouth. Another shipment of 2,500 head 
followed in 1810, and were distributed between New York and Boston. These sheep 
were of the prime flocks of Spain, and Spain's loss was our gain. " 

From the importations made by these two gentlemen — Col. Hum- 
phreys and Mr. Jarvis — the American Merino, with its numerous sub- 
divisions or families, has arisen. 

From the United States Merino Sheep Register we take the follow- 
ing authoritative 

DESCRIPTION AND CH.'iRACTERISTICS. 

' ' There must be a perfectly authenticated line of ancestry extending to one or more 
of the importations of Merino sheep from Spain, made prior to jSi2, without admixture 
of any other blood. The constitution is indicated by a healthful countenance ; expanded 
nostril ; short, strong neck ; deep chest ; round barrel ; strong, short back ; strong loin ; 
heavy bone of fine texture ; muscle fine and firm, and skin thick, soft and of a pink color. 

"Under the term fleece must be included quantity, quality and condition of the 
wool, as shown by the weight of fleece, the length and strength of staple, crimp, fineness 
and trueness of fibre, evenness throughout, freedom from gare, and the fluidity and 
amount of yolk. 

"The term covering includes the extent and evenness of the fleece over the whole 
body, legs, belly, neck and head ; the quality, lustre, crimp, density and length of wool. 



MERINOS. 241 

and the quantity and kind of oil or yolk. The shoulders should be well placed ; back 
broad ; quarters long and well filled up ; head short ; folds in the neck, elbow, flank, 
belly, thighs and tail. 

"Rams at full growth, in breeding condition, should weigh 130 lbs. or upwards, and 
ewes about 100 lbs. The head should be of medium size ; muzzle clear ; nose (or face) 
covered with short, glossy, furry hair ; eyes bright and placid ; forehead broad ; ears soft, 
thick and set wide apart ; ewes hornless ; horns on the ram well turned (set not too 
closely to the head and neck, nor yet standing out too wide), and free from black or dark 
colored streaks. The neck should be short on top and long below ; strongly set to the 
head and shoulders, becoming deeper toward the shoulders ; folds heavier underneath 
and extending up the sides of the neck, including heavy dewlap and apron. The legs 
should be short, straight, well spread apart, and bone heavy ; hoofs clear in color and 
well shaped. General appearance should be bold and vigorous, with symmetrical form, 
and proper complexion of covering. " 

The following Scale of Points for American Merinos, should be 
used in connection with above : 

Blood 20 Forward 81 

Constitution . 18 Head 6 

Fleece 13 Neck 5 

Covering 13 Legs and Feet 4 

Form .... 9 General Appearance 4 

Size 8 

Perfection loc 



Forward 81 

In the South, the Merinos are better known than any other breed 
of sheep ; the fact of their continued breeding for centuries in the hot, 
dry climate of Spain, and the further fact — or perhaps we should say 
supposition — of a remote ancestry from the still warmer latitude of 
northern Africa, has fitted them especially for the warm, dry, elevated 
regions of the Southwest. It must be borne in mind, however, that the 
Merinos do not come in conflict, in any particular, with the heavier 
sheep of the Down and Long-wool tribes. The mission of the Merino 
is to furnish wool, and that, too, of the finest quality ; and for this pur- 
pose he stands admittedly without a rival. 

Of the more prominent strains of Merinos now known in the 
United States, we have thought best to give a short account, in order 
named, of the Atwoods, Paulars, Dickinsons, Black-Tops and Delaines. 
It will be remembered that we are not writing from the standpoint of a 
biased or partisan breeder ; our statements are intended to do simple 
justice to each, and if we fail in this the blame cannot, at least, be 
imputed to any malicious purpose on the part of the author. 

The Atwoods. 

The origin of the Atwood family may be given, in brief, b}' the fol- 
lowing quotation from Rules of Entry to the Register of the Vermont 
Atwood Merino Sheep Club : 

" Descendants of sheep purchased from Stephen Atv^'ood, or vouched for by him as 
pure descendants of the Humphreys importation, and no other, maybe entered in the 

16 



242 



MERINOS. 



Register on proving either ancestral purchase from Stephen Atwood, or their direct 
descent through the importations of W. S. and Edwin Hammond, R. P. Hall, W. R. 
Sanford, and C. B. Cook from his flock, to the satisfaction of the Executive Board." 

The flock of Stephen Atwood was founded in 1813, when he pur- 
chased of John Riggs a six-year-old ewe, raised by Col. Humphreys, out 
of one of his imported ewes. Mr. Atwood's account of his sheep — 
which is attested b}' reliable gentlemen who were familiar with them — is 
given as follows in the Atwood Register : 

' ' I bred the Riggs ewe and her progeny to rams I knew to be of pure Humphreys 
blood, till 1819," and at that time he states : "I bought from the Leman Stone flock, 
that he raised from Col. Humphrey's flock, five ewe lambs that I selected ; and with these 
five lambs and the ewe I bought first, I have raised my flock of sheep." 




Ki^/.^iAL 






PURE-BRED ATWOOD MERINO RAM, CLINGSTONE ad, 401. 

Weiglit of third fleece, 30 lbs. ; sold to South America, 1SS6 ; bred by George Hammond. 

Middlebury, Vt. 

While Mr. Atwood was fortunate enough to preserve the blood in 
its original purity, to Edwin Hammond belongs the credit for most of 
the great improvement which the Atwood sheep have luidergone. Mr. 
Hammond was born in Middlebur}', Vermont, May 20, 1801, and lived 
within a short distance of his birthplace until his death, December 31, 
1870. He was a man of excellent judgment, and is placed by some on 
■an equal footing witli Bakewell (of Leicester fame) as an improver of 
sheep. The Hammond sheep are directly descended from the flocks of 
Stephen Atwood, and thus it happens that on proof of Hammond breed- 



MERINOS. 



243 



ing, the purit)' of Wood is at once accepted, and the animal admitted to 
record. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

No authoritative scale of points or standard description has been 
adopted bj' the club, but the following points may be stated in brief, as 
distinctive of the Atwood sheep : They are large, round-bodied and 
strong-boned ; ver)' heavy shearers — a clip of 24 or 25 pounds for rams 
being not uncoinmon ; the fleece is very dense, and although abundantly 
supplied with liquid yolk (natural oil) it exhibits little tendency to crust 
externall}- ; when parted, the wavy crimps of the wool may be seen to 
the very tips of the fibre, and the coloring is a rich buff tint — one of the 
points for which Mr. Hammond bred in particular. The skin, as will 
be seen from the illustration, is strongly marked by folds ("wrinkly") 
at both neck and rump — a peculiarity even more strongl}' marked in the 
next familj' (Paulars). The sheep are hardy, and the rams have been 
extensively used for grading up the mixed flocks of Texas, New Mexico 
and Arizona. 

The Pavlars. 

Concerning the history of the Paular Merino family, and its present 
status, as compared with the other recognized strains, we have thought 
best to give — without comment — the views of the acknowledged leader 
among Paular breeders in America, Mr. Jno. P. Ray, Hemlock Lake, 
N. Y. We have decided upon this course for several reasons, chief 
among which stands the fact that Mr. Ray is known to be a careful 
breeder, and, although undoubtedly somewhat partisan in his views, a 
thorough student of all literature bearing upon the history of sheep. 

Replying to our request, he writes as follows : 

' ' Probably the most noted o£ all the Spanish flocks were the Paulars, Inf antados, 
Escurials, Guadaloupes, Negrettis, Montarcos and Aquierres. We have no authentic 
history to show how marked and well defined were the differences that existed between 
these families ; there is a general belief among sheep men that the Escurials were the 
finest fleeced of all the Spanish flocks ; the Negrettis the wrinkliest, and the Paulars 
the hardiest, best formed and heaviest folded in the neck. * * * * Qq\ 

David Humphreys [see Atwoods] left no records behind to show from what flock or 
flocks he obtained his sheep ; Consul Jarvis, who went to Spain soon after, made a great 
effort to learn this fact, but without success. Stephen Atwood, the distinguished Con- 
necticut breeder, who lived near Col. Humphreys, wrote Gen. Otto F. Marshal, Wheeler, 
N. Y. , in 1884, that Col. Humphreys' sheep were of the Paular breed. That Edwin Ham- 
mond, the great improver of Merino sheep (Atwoods), was of the same opinion, the fol- 
lowing certificates witness : 

" ' MiDDLEEURY, Vt. , September 23, 1847. 

" 'This may certify that I have this day sold to D. P. Pond, of Cornwall, state afore- 
said, six full-blood Merino ewes — four of them being of the age of one year, and one of 
them bearing the age of two years. Said sheep are of the Paular breed, a part of them 
being purchased by myself and R. P. Hall of Stephen Atwood, of Connecticut, and the 
other portions of said sheep were raised by me and are precisely the same in pedigree as 



244 



MERINOS. 



those purchased of Mr. Atwood. As I bred them pure from said Atwood sheep, I will 
here insert a certificate which I obtained of Mr. Atwood and reads as follows : 

" 'Woodbury, Litchfield County, Conn., January 27, 1844. 
" 'This may certify that Edward Hammond and R. P. Hall, of Addison county, 
state of Vermont, have this day purchased of me three full-blood Merino bucks, and of 
me and others 27 full blood Merino ewes, descendants from my flock of the Paular breed, 
which originated from the celebrated flock imported by Col. Humphreys, of Derby, New 
Haven county, state of Connecticut. 

" ' (Signed by Stephen Atwood.) 

" 'EDWIN HAMMOND.' 

("These certificates were published in the Country Getillemanoi August 24, 1865; 
the original, given by Mr. Hammond, was carried to the Country Gentleman office by a 
deputation of Vermont breeders, of whom the venerable S. S. Rockwell, West Cornwall, 
was chairman.") 




i:;»a»iiM^tw"i*?» 



PURE-BRED PAULAR MERINO RAM. 

Property of Jno. P. Ray, Hemlock Lake, N. V. 

"Other Paular Blood. — Consul Jarvis, hitherto mentioned, sent out fro.n Spain 
1,400 sheep of this breed. His flock, which he established at Wethersfield. Vermont, and 
bred in separate and distinct blood lines for several years and subsequently mixed all 
together in breeding, was originally composed of about one-half Paulars, one-quarter 
Aquierres, and the other fourth Escurials, Negrettis and Montarcos. 

"Andrew Cocks, Flushing, Long Island, purchased 800 head of sheep from the 
different cargoes sent in, and history and tradition sustain the fact that his purchases 
consisted of Paulars, which he selected with great care. He bred the flock pure down to 
1823, when it was sold to Jehiel Beedle, on account of Leonard Beedle and Hon. Charles 
Rich, of Shoreham, Vermont. At the time of the sale to the Vermont parties, it is claimed 
that some of the imported sheep were still in the flock, and carried the original Spanish 



MERINOS. 245 

ear-marks. It would occupy too much space to reproduce the certificates given by EfBng- 
ham Lawrence, John T. Rich, F. H, Jennison, Charles A. Hurlburt, Jasper Barnum and 
Levi Rockwood, all going to show that the Cocks flock were of the Paular family, and 
were certified to be such in the bill of sale given by Cocks to Beedle. We refer the 
reader to Moore's Rural New-Yorker oi August 5, 1865, where the certificates may be 
found. 

' ' The Rich branch of the Cocks sheep was bred for several years in the Cocks blood 
lines, then it was crossed to a ram bred by Consul Jarvis, and later still with the blood of 
Stephen Atwood's flock. From this flock was descended the celebrated flock of V. Rich, 
Richville, Vt., and the flocks of the late Tyler Stickney and Erastus Robinson, Shoreham, 
Vt., the blood of which is now widely dispersed throughout the country. 

' ' About 1840, David and German Cutting purchased about 80 ewes and two rams that 
were bred by or descended from the flocks of David Buffum, Reuse Potter, David I. 
Bailey and Geo. Irish, of Newport, Rhode Island. It is claimed that these sheep were 
descended from the importations of Paul Cuffe and Richard Crowineshield, and were 
without doubt consignments of Consul Jarvis. Messrs. Cutting bred these sheep to rams 
of Robinson and Rich and Atwood blood, and wherever this blood has found its way it 
has been crossed without reference to maintaining the original Rhode Island strains — 
hence but a small fraction of that blood remains in the Cutting blood-lines wherever 
found. 

"In 1S44, Jacob N. Blakeslee of Watertown, Conn., wrote a letter for publication 
in the Cultivator, published at Albany, N. Y., in which he claimed his sheep to be of 
Negretti, Montarco and Escurial blood. 

" It may be assumed that our improved American Merino flocks are substantially, if 
not wholly, descended from the foregoing named blood-lines, with the Blakeslee blood, 
at most, in a very limited degree. For more than 40 years a class of our breeders have 
claimed a family of sheep descended purely from the flocks of the Atwoods of Connecti- 
cut, and have claimed a distinction in title and breeding. In view of this circumstance, 
and the fact that all other pure-bred Merinos partake largely of the Paular blood, they 
have been very generally alluded to as ' Improved Paulars, ' ' Mixed Paulars, ' and 
' American Paulars,' which last name or title I hope will be generally adopted. 

" The most successful breeders of these sheep have aimed to secure type and quality in 
their flocks, and have placed this above any special line of descent from importation, or 
from any one of the earlier flocks. In pursuing their course of breeding they have made 
use of the best specimens of the breed, and as a rule have avoided too close in-and-in 
breeding, and have achieved results unattained elsewhere when measured by high, sure 
weight of carcass, or weight of fleece — either gross or scoured. The aim has been to pro- 
duce a well-formed and symmetrical animal, of constitutional vigor, carrying a dense, 
oily fleece of good quality throughout. Folds or wrinkles have been cultivated in a marked 
degree, and an amount of oil secured in the fleece that many have thought to be extrav- 
agant in the extreme ; yet sheep of this class have made great improvement on the com- 
mon wool-growing flocks — the wrinkles contributing toward density of fleece and cover- 
ing, and the oil proving interchangeable with wool product. 

" The accompanying Scale of Points will enable one to understand the points of 
excellence esteemed by breeders. A ram takes standard rank by making a score of 75 
points, and a record at public shearing of 25 lbs. fleece and no lbs. carcass. 

"SCALE OF POINTS FOR STOCK RAM. 

"Bone 5 

Physical development and general appearance 10 

Head broad, nose wrinkly and face covered with soft, velvety coat 5 

Neck short, broad, muscular, well set on shoulders 5 

Forward 25 



246 MERINOS. 

Forward 25 

Shoulder massive as to depth and breadth 5 

Back level, straight — Ribs, rotund 5 

Hips broad and long 5 

Fore legs straight, well set apart 3 

Hind legs straight and set so as to give a perpendicular appearance to hind 

parts ; 5 

Ear soft, thick and velvety 2 

Color of nose, ears and hoofs pure white 5 

Wrinkles on neck heavy, pendulous 5 

Wrinkles across arm and point of shoulder on side and running well under . 5 

Tail, hip folds and flank 5 

Density of fleece on neck 3 

back 3 

Density of fleece on side 3 

" " " " hip and extending to flank 3 

" " " belly 3 

' Crown of head or cap 3 

Cheek 2 

Fore leg 2 

Arm-pits 2 

Covering. Hind leg 2 

Inside of flank 3 

Connection between tag wool and belly i 

Fibre to indicate, as ' fine,' ' medium ' and ' coarse.' 

Oil, as ' buff ' and ' white.' 

Perfection 100" 

The illustration represents the ram "Prince Bismarck," a famous 
prize winner of the Paular family, that was never beaten in the show 
ring. In full fleece he weighed 200 lbs., and yielded a fleece, of one 
year's growth, of 35 lbs. 9j4 ozs. 

The Dickinsons. 

Concerning the origin of this strain of Merino blood, we may say: 
Mr. Thos. Rotch purchased from Col. Humphreys (Derby, Connecti- 
cut)' some of the latter's pure-bred Spanish Merinos, imported in 1802, 
and took them to Stark county, Ohio, about the year 1810. W. R. 
Dickinson — from whom the family takes its name — lived at Steuben- 
ville, Ohio, but had large landed possessions in Stark county, and soon 
secured the entire flock of pure-bred Merinos as his own. The sheep 
were bred with scrupulous care as to purity of blood, and under Mr. 
Dickinson's skillful management soon reached a high state of improve- 
ment. After the death of Mr. Dickinson (i83i),Adam Heldenbrand 
became the owner of all the pure-bred Humphreys sheep which Mr. 
Dickinson had bred, and from him was secured the nucleus which 
formed the flock of James McDowell. 

As we shall mention under the next topic an apparent conflict of 
statements between breeders of Dickinson and Black-Tops, it may be 
well to make the following extract from a published letter, written by 



jl'-'-'SKS.^ -^ -»i " 



MERINOS. 



247 




248 MERINOS. 

James McDowell in 1884, in which Dickinson breeders find their 
authority to deny a Humphreys origin for the Black-Top sheep ; the 
last statement is the one refered to : 

" W. R. Dickinson, of Steubenville, Jefferson county, O., in the early part of this 
century, commenced the breeding of a small flock of pure Merino sheep that were im- 
ported from Spain in the year 1802 by Col. David Humphreys, of Derby, New Haven 
county, Connecticut. These he secured through the agency of Thomas Rotch, an emi- 
nent and enterprising citizen of Connecticut, who migrated from that state to Stark 
county, O., in the early part of this century, bringing with him the first large flock of 
Spanish Merinos into Ohio. 

"These sheep were bought direct of Col. Humphreys, which was learned by my 
personal acquaintance with Mr. Dickinson, Thomas Rotch and his shepherd, John Hall, 
who brought the sheep from Connecticut to Ohio. 

" The sheep which Mr. Dickinson secured were kept at Steubenville, O., for a few 
years, and were the origin of his entirely pure-bred Merinos, descended directly from 
sheep imported by Col. Humphreys from Spain in 1802. 

"These were distinctly marked, and separately kept. Mr. Dickinson stated in the 
latter years of his life that he never sold any of the ewes descended from his own pure- 
bred' flock, his sales being of ewes purchased throughout the country — a grade of well- 
bred Merino flocks or those descended therefrom, in which he dealt extensively." 

Dickinson Merinos, eligible to entry in the Dickinson Merino Sheep 
Record, must trace their descent to the standard-bred flock of James 
McDowell, Canton, Stark county, Ohio (without admixture of impure 
blood), which flock, as we have already mentioned, was directly de- 
scended from the Humphreys importation of 1802, through the famous 
flock of W. R. Dickinson. 

The following, adopted by the Association, may be accepted as a 
standard 

DESCRIPTION. 

"Body deep, round, wide and long, showing mutton capacity, good feeding and 
thriving qualities, heavy, thick flesh, straight under and top lines, well proportioned, 
filling every part of its skin when fully matured. Skin thick, soft, not raised in corruga- 
tions, pink red. Head small, carried high. Quiet, placid eye. Nose white, not 
mottled, covered with fine, soft white hair, wide and slightly arched. Ears, short, thick, 
covered with fine, glossy hair. Horns small, neatly curved, light yellow color ; better 
without any horns. Neck short, arched in under and on top, the base very strong. 
Shoulders, wide, deep, rounded, breast bone projecting forward of front limb. Back 
straight, wide, ribs extending out horizontally from spinal column, rounding in line with 
shoulders, extending close back to hips. Loins strong, wide. Hips wide, long. Thighs 
wide, thick flesh extending close down to hock joints. Limbs short, bone heavy, joints 
smooth and flat, the contour of, to show perpendicular lines from elbow and stifle joints 
to center of hoofs, and from base of tail to center of a straight line drawn horizontally 
from caps of hock joints, when standing erect on limbs. Hoofs deep, thin, white ; tex- 
ture tough and elastic. Fleece smooth, even, dense, soft to the touch. Staple three to 
five inches, fibres glossy, crimped. Quality XX., XXX. or above, fine. Quantity, rams 
15 to 25 lbs , ewes 10 to 15 lbs. unwashed wool, covering entire body with even length and 
grade, except parts injuring thrift and comfort of sheep, entirely free from gum and 
hair. Oil very fluid, white or nearly so, enough to preserve the wool and rising to outer 
ends of fibres. Size of full grown rams 200 lbs., and ewes 150 lbs. Internal organs 
strong. Mature early, 2^-2 years." 



MERINOS. 249 

The following Scale of Points — also adopted by the Association — 
should be used in connection with the above description: 

Skin 4 Forward 49 

Head 4 Hoots .... 4 

Nose 3 Smoothness of fleece 6 

Ears 3 Staple 4 

Horns 3 Quality of fleece 6 

Neck 4 Quantity of fleece 6 

Shoulders 5 Covering 8 

Back 8 Oil 5 

Loins 3 Size of animal 5 

Hips 3 internal organs 4 

Thighs 4 Maturity 3 

Legs 5 

Perfection 100 

Forward 49 

Dickinson Merinos are now favorably known in many parts of the 
United States. The Record Association was organized in May, 1884. 
Mr. H. G. McDowell, son of James McDowell, is the present active and 
efficient secretary. 

The Black- Tops. 

This family, if the claims of its breeders are correct, furnishes a 
good example of change wrought by slow, steady purpose in one direc- 
tion — the Black-Top Merinos being placed before the public as lineal 
descendants of the Dickinsons — just described — and through them of the 
original Humphreys importation in 1802. Referring to preceding topic, 
will be found the Dickinson breeders' claim that W. R. Dickinson never 
sold any of his Humphreys sheep. If this can be proved, it will leave 
the Black- Pops with a broken link in their chain of genealogy. We do 
not undertake to decide the case, but give both statements, and invite 
the reader to draw his own conclusions, or investigate further on his own 
responsibility. 

Concerning the change, or, as the breeders of Black-Tops have it — 
improvement in these sheep of Dickinson descent, we may say : In 
1 82 1 Wm. Berry, of Washington county. Pa., purchased a choice ram 
and a number of ewes from W. R. Dickinson's flock; and, according to 
Vol. I. of the Black-Top Register, Mr. Berry was assured and satisfied 
that these sheep were directly descended from the original Humphreys 
importation made in 1802. Without discussing this question further, it 
is certain that Mr. Berry strictly carried out his purpose to breed within 
the flock and make all improvement by selection and care. In 1847 he 
rented his farm and sold his flock to his two sons — William and Mat- 
thew- — himself moving to Canonsburg, Pa., where he remained until his 
death, Dec. 26th, i856. In the experience of both Mr. Berry and his 
sons, it was noticed that the sheep with darkest "tops" were the 
largest and made the best records in shearing. They also found that 



250 



MERINOS. 



the darker sheep were more hardy, and better able to endure the rough 
winter weather of that latitude than were those of lighter cast. It is 
believed that Mr. Berry was the first to apply the name "Black-Tops," 
and that he did so to distinguish them from the light colored, delicate 
Saxon Merinos, which for a time were bred in the vicinity. 

By permission of the secretary, W. G. Berry, of Houstonville, 
Pa., we make the following authoritative extracts from Vol. I. of the 
Black-Top Spanish Merino Sheep Register : 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

' ' Constitution indicated by physical development ; deep and large in the breast 
and through the heart ; broad back ; very heavy, square quarters ; skin of fine texture 
and pinkish in color ; expansive nostril ; brilliant eye ; healthful countenance, and good 
feeders. 

"In good condition, with fleece of five months' growth, full grown rams should 
weigh not lesss than 175 pounds, and ewes not less than 125 pounds. 

" Head carried well up; standing squarely on feet and legs; well rounded body, 
showing in all points symmetry of form ; body throughout heavy boned, well propor- 
tioned in length ; smooth joints, ribs starting horizontally from the back bone, and well 
around to breast bone ; breast bone wide, strong and prominent in front ; strong, 
straight, and heavy back bone ; heavy, muscular quarters ; shoulders broad and flat ; 
muscles firm and heavy, and body entirely free from folds. There may be a slight 
throatiness, and a small dewlap — smaller on the ewes than on the rams. 

"The head should be wide, with clear, bright eyes and prominent ears. Ewes 
should give no appearance of horns, while upon the rams the horns should be well de- 
veloped, clear in color, and symmetrically curved. 

"Neck very heavy, especially with the rams, deepening towards the shoulder. 
Legs medium in length, set well apart, with well-shaped, medium-sized feet. The body 
and legs to the knees covered with medium or fine wool, extending well forward be- 
tween the eyes. Fleece should be compact, but should open freely — showing a length 
(at twelve months growth) of not less than three inches, and the oil (yolk) must be white, 
flowing freely from skin to surface, and form on the exterior a uniform dark coating." 

The following standard Scale of Points should be used in connec- 
tion with the above : 

"Constitution 15 Forward 64 

Size 12 Covering 8 

General appearance 3 Quality of fleece 7 

Body 15 Density of fleece . 7 

Head 5 Length of staple 8 

Neck 4 Oil 6 

Legs and feet 10 

— Perfection 100" 

Forward 64 

The Delaines. 

The origin of this family is of recent date, and has grown out of a 
continued and steady demand for what is known as Delaine wools. Just 
what constitutes Delaine wool is rather hard to define, but the process of 
manufacture requires combing instead of carding — the fibers being laid 



MERINOS. 




252 



MERINOS. 



parallel with each other, and spun at full length in the yarn. To Mr. 
E. R. Mudge, of Boston, Mass. — now deceased — belongs most of the 
credit for founding this branch of textile industry, and to the breeders 
who aimed to supply the demand thus created we turn to find the origin 
of the Delaine Merino Sheep. It is claimed that no deep in-breeding has 
been practiced, and that the sheep are, therefore, free from all taint of 
weakness so frequently traced to incestuous breeding. On the other 
hand it is stated, that nothing but the purest Merino blood has ever 
been introduced, and to explain the seeming contradiction, we may say 
in brief, that the Delaine Merino has been produced by a careful system 
of crossing the pure Spanish with the American Black-Top Merino. 
The original Spanish foundation for the Delaines was largely made up 
of sheep descended from an importation made in 1820, by Richard W. 
Meade — at that time Minister to Spain. These sheep were first sta- 
tioned near Philadelphia, bat were afterwards sent to Washington 
county, Pa., where their choicest descendants have since been bred. 

DESCRIPTION AND CH.A.RACTERISTICS. 

The fleece presents a uniformly smooth surface, dark on the outer 
end of wool, but a "black-top" — caused by excess or sticky character of 
yolk, and consequent clogging up with dirt to form an outer crust — is 
considered a great objection. The natural oil or yolk should be freely 
liquid, not gummy, showing an even white color and rising to the top 
of the dense, fine covering. The staple ( fiber ) is of good length, 
averaging from two and a-half to three inches in wool of one year's 
growth, covering the body and legs to the knees. The animal is of 
good size, mature rams weighing about 150 pounds, and ewes about 100 
pounds — with a vigorous constitution and a carcass for mutton which, 
in a fine wool sheep, is surprising. To illustrate their mutton capacity, 
we clip the following from the issue of April, 1884, National Stockman, 
published at East Liberty, Pa. : 

' ' Among the sheep sold here this week, there was a car-load of fine wool wethers, 
something under three years old, averaging ii4!'2 pounds. They were o£ the Delaine 
Merino family, were raised and fed by James McClelland, of Canonsburg, Pa., and 
brought seven cents per pound, a price which shows that they found high favor among 
the butchers.' 

The following Scale of Points, condensed from the National Delaine 
Meritio Register, has been, adopted by the association, and is now in use 
by its members : 

Constitution 10 Forward 27 

Heavy round heart 6 Back 8 

Neck 6 Ribs 5 

Dewlap 5 Legs 6 

Forward 27 Forward 46 



MERINOS. 



253 




^54 



MERINOS. 



Forward 46 



Bone 

Foot 

Length of staple . 
X)ensity of fleece 



Forward 80 

Darkish cast on top 5 

Opening up white 5 

Good flow of white oil 5 

Good crimp in staple 5 



Forward 



80 



Perfection 10 



The Delaines, as well as the Black-Tops and Dickinsons (see 
illustrations), are smooth, no folds, only a fullness at the throat being per- 
mitted. Their breeders make no pretense of "line-pure" descent from 
a single sheep or a single flock, but on the contrary, are rather proud of 
having secured in combination the blood of the best (in their judgment) 
,flocks in America and Spain. 



Chapter XLIX. 



HORNED DORSETS. 

As far back as we have any record this breed of sheep has existed 
iu the shire of Dorset, England. From the fact that the old Dorset re- 
sembled the old Spanish Merino, it has been thought that the former 
may have descended from the latter. The resemblance, however, was 
only in form, and external appearance — the properties of the two breeds 
being entirely different. In this connection we quote Prof. Low (1842): 

" While the Merinos are bad nurses, the Dorsets are the most productive of milk of 
any of our races of sheep. In the broad loins of this race we have the same external 
character which, in the case of the cow, indicates the faculty of yielding abundant milk. 
The remarkable fecundity of these sheep has given rise to the supposition that they are 
derived from some warmer country where the females bring forth twice in the year. We 
have, however no evidence of this fact, and may accordingly believe that the property is 
one which is due to situation, although the peculiar circumstances, whether of climate or 
food, which gave rise to it may escape our observation." 

The breed is not well known in America, but there are several breed- 
ers of considerable prominence, both in the United States and Canada ; 
and during the last five or six years they have pushed forward the 
Dorset with great success. We do not know of any Dorsets in the 
South, but see no reason why they would not prove of value, especially 
in the higher portions of the Texas "Panhandle" region. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color of face and legs white ; head fine, rather long, and supplied 
with horns in both male and female ; nose and lips black. The shoulders 
are low but broad; chest deep, with low brisket; back straight, and loins 
unusually broad and strong. The bone is light, and the legs rather 
long, but the general make-up indicates good breeding and hardiness. 
In size they are above medium — fat two-year-old wethers reaching as 
high as 230 to 250 lbs., and mature breeding rams weighing 175 to 200 
lbs. The fleece is short, of above medium fineness, and high-class 
flocks yield an average clip of six to eight pounds. The peculiar 
characteristics which distinguish the Dorsets from all other sheep are 
their early and prolific breeding, rapidity of fattening and early 
maturit}'. They surpass all other breeds in general fecundity — as a rule 
breeding twice a year, and freqently bearing twins and triplets. For 
the production of early market lambs no sheep can rival them, unless it 
be the cross-bred produce of Southdown rams on Dorset ewes, which 
have been most popular with English breeders. 

The illustration represents a group from Mr. Fuller's excellent 
flock, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 

255 



256 



HORNED DORSETS. 




Chapter L. 



CHEVIOTS. 

The Cheviot breed of sheep had its origin in the Cheviot Hills or 
mountains, situated in the north of England and extending into Scot- 
land. The hills are mostl)' conical, and are separated by very narrow 
valleys. On one side of the range of mountains lies the "heather" 
country, the home of the old Black-Faced Heath Breed — and on the 
other is a rich, cultivated tract. 

This district, according to Low, "has produced from time im- 
memorial a race of sheep entirely distinct in its characters from the 
wild heath breed of the elevated moors adjoining." 

There is a fanciful sort of tradition to the effect that at the time of 
the attempted invasion b}^ the Spanish Armada (1588), and the conse- 
quent wreck of the formidable fleet upon the stormy British coast, some 
of the sheep with which the ships were provided swam ashore and 
escaped to the Cheviot Hills, where they have since bred and multiplied. 

Cheviot sheep have gradually extended over the entire mountain- 
ous portion of Scotland; and during the past century have been 
greatly improved by a class of breeders second to none in the world. 

They were imported to America about 1840, but have been in onl)' 
a few localities — mainly in the state of New York — and are still com- 
paratively unknown. 

We are not aware that any Cheviot sheep can be found in the Gulf 
States at present writing ; nor is it probable that they will ever be 
extensively introduced. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color of face and legs white — rarely tinted or speckled ; the head 
is of good size, strictly hornless ; face broad, and especially full at 
forehead ; ears wide apart and of good size ; eyes prominent and livel}'^ 
— all combining to make up a peculiarly intelligent, strong-featured ex- 
pression, well suited to an independent mountain breed. The 
shoulders are rather light, as in all mountain breeds of sheep ; but the 
body is long, deep, and remarkably well filled at the loin and quarters. 
The fleece is short and of medium fineness, and makes up the great 
bulk of the genuine Scotch tweeds and Cheviot cloths. 

As compared with other breeds in respect to fleece they do not 
show to advantage, since their wool is too coarse for carding and too 

17 257 



258 



CHEVIOTS 



A • 



^^l 



- <^^ 






t V 



> >s 



4 » -*• -^ 

f - r S 

•J J , *M .' ' , • 









t ■( 










CHEVIOTS. 259 

short for combing; and high-class flocks yield an annual clip of not over 
three to five pounds per head. 

In size the Cheviots rank as medium ; two-year-old wethers can be 
made to weigh 180 to 200 lbs., and breeding rams at maturity should 
scale about 175 lbs. They fatten quickly on root-crops, after pasture, 
without grain. The ewes are good mothers, although not so prolific as 
some other breeds, and the lambs very hardy. 

For western and northern ranges, especially those in the mountain- 
ous regions of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, the Cheviot should prove 
an excellent breed. 

The pure bloods are, perhaps, not so valuable, but they furnish an 
admirable basis for crossing with Cotswold and Leicester rams, increas- 
ing thereby length of staple and size of carcass, while retaining the 
hardy mountain instincts of the Cheviot race. 



CTiapter LI. 



SOUTHDOWNS. 

The Southdown heads the Hst of middle-wool mutton sheep ; both 
from its acknowledged superiority, and from the fact that nearl}-, if not 
quite all, of the other "Downs" are indebted to it for much of their 
present excellence. The breed takes its name from the slopes of the 
Chalk Hills of England, called "Downs." 

Referring to this place of their origin, Professor Low (1842) says : 

' ' The Scotch Downs of Sussex consist of a range of low chalky hills, are five or six 
miles in breadth, stretching along the coast upwards of sixty miles, and passing into the 
chalky lands of Hants on the west. In contact with this range of hills is a tract of low 
cultivated ground, which is usually connected with the Down farms, although many of 
the latter have no vale or flat land attached. The herbage of these hills is short, but 
well adapted for the keeping of sheep, of which vast numbers have, in every known 
period, occupied the pastures. Whilst the dryness of the air, the moderate elevation of 
the land, and consequent mildness of the climate, are all eminently favorable to the 
rearing of a race of Downs or mountain sheep, the contact of the cultivated country af- 
fords the means of supplying artificial food. It is this combination of favorable circum- 
stances which has rendered these calcareous hills capable of supporting a greater number 
of sheep than perhaps any tract of similar fertility in the country, and has afforded the 
means to the breeders of applying the resources of artificial feeding to their improve- 
ment. 

' ' The original breed of the Sussex Downs was not superior to that of many other 
districts of the chalk formation ; but the means of supplying the animal with artificial 
food, which the geographical situation of this long and narrow chain of hills in contact 
with the richer country afforded, aided the breeder in applying to the improvement of 
the race a system of breeding and feeding which has rendered the Southdo^vn breed the 
most esteemed in the countries suited to it, of all the short-wooled sheep of England." 

From this it will be seen that the Southdown was a natural out- 
growth of circumstances, and really "native" to the locality from which 
it takes its name. 

Improvement of the breed began about 1775-80, but received its 
greatest impulse about the beginning of the present century, since 
which time it has been constantly active and progressive. 

To Mr. John Ellman, of the Glynde farm, near Lewis, in Sussex- 
shire, is universally accorded first place among the improvers of South- 
downs. 

He began about 1780, and devoted the remainder of his life — some 
52 years — to careful, unselfish work in advancing his favorite breed 
of sheep. 

While Mr. Bakewell was fully his equal in point of skill as a 

260 



SOUTHDOWN?. 




262 SOUTHDOWNS. 

breeder, perhaps his superior, he was inch'ned to keep his methods 
closely concealed, incurring thereby a rather general disfavor. Mr. 
Ellman, on the other hand, freely comrnunicated the results of his ex- 
periments, and showed himself to be entirely free from all illiberal pre- 
judice. His aim was to produce a sheep which should combine the 
points most desirable, in his judgment, for the locality in which he 
lived ; and with him it was — first, health and constitution ; second, 
fixedness of type. He, therefore, did not in-breed so closely as did 
Bakewell, but purchased freely from his contemporaries in order to in- 
fuse fresh blood and retain the vigor of his flock. 

Since Mr. Ellman's death (1832), there have been many careful 
breeders to carry forward the work, and keep up the popularity and 
excellence of the Southdown breed, among them Mr. Jonas Webb, of 
Suffolk, who may be called his immediate successor. 

The Southdown, next to the Merino, is the most widely known of 
all the breeds of sheep at present in the United States ; and in the West- 
ern and Middle States finds its greatest popularity. 

In the South the Merino has the preference, but many Southdowns 
are being shipped in for use in grading up on flocks of Merino basis, 
and are reported to acclimate readily and produce a desirable grade. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color of face and legs a uniform tint of brown, gray or mouse 
(formerly speckled faces were admitted, but later breeders aim to 
exclude all except the colors mentioned); head medium in size, horn- 
less, forehead and cheeks well covered with wool ; ears rather small, 
wide apart and lively ; eyes bright and full ; neck short, fine at head, 
but well set on to broad, full shoulders. The chest is wide and deep ; 
back and loin broad; ribs well arched ; hips wide and close to floating 
ribs ; thigh fleshed low down, and legs fine-boned, short, and wooled to 
knee and hock. The belly is straight and well covered with wool ; gen- 
eral appearance smooth — with no trace of coarseness — spirited and 
attractive. 

The fleece is white, compact, moderately long and close, and car- 
rying some yolk. They are fair, not heavy, shearers — running some 
four to six or seven pounds per fleece in high-class flocks ; but their 
mutton is unexcelled, and has always commanded the top of the English 
market. 

The ewes are prolific, make excellent mothers, and their lambs are 
uniformly hardy and vigorous. 

In size they are above medium — two-year-old fat wethers weighing 
as high as 200 to 225 lbs., and mature breeding rams about 170 to 190 lbs. 

Where a sheep is wanted to produce mutton as a prime object, with 



SOUTHDOWNS. 



263 



wool as a secondary, but if possible paying accompaniment, we know of 
no breed which more completely fills the requirements than this. 

The following Scale of Points — to be used with description — for 
judging at fairs, is clipped from the American Southdown Record, Mr. 
S. E. Prather, of Springfield, 111., secretary: 



Head 5 

Lips I 

Ears 2 

Eyes 3 

Face 3 

Neck 4 

Shoulders 5 

Breast 5 

Back and Loin 7 

Ribs , 6 

Rump 6 



Forward 47 

Hips 6 

Thighs 6 

Legs 3 

Fore Legs 2 

Hind Legs 2 

Belly 5 

Fleece 12 

Form 9 

General appearance 8 

Perfection 100 

Forward 47 

Four volumes of the Record have been published, comprising 5,000 

entries, and the secretary writes under date December 22, 1892: 

"* * Entries for Volume V. are coming in more rapidly than ever before * *." 

The illustration of a group from Mr. Harvey's flock fairly represents 

the breed in all particulars. 



Chapter LII. 



SHROPSHIRES. 

This breed — long and favorably known in England — is, in America, 
comparatively new. The first importation of any note was made in 1855, 
Virginia claiming the honor, but it is only within the last eight or ten 
years that Shropshire sheep have attracted any marked attention from 
breeders on this side of the Atlantic. 

The origin of the breed may be traced almost directly to the polled 
sheep of Cannock Heath, and the old black, or spotted-faced breed of 
Morfe Common. In Volume XVI., Journal of the Royal Agricultural 
Society, there is given this fragment of a report from the Bristol Wool 
Society (1792) regarding the breed last referred to: 

" On Morfe Common, near Bridgnorth, there are about 10,000 sheep kept during the 
summer months, which produce wool of a superior quality They are considered a native 
breed, are black-faced or brown, or spotted-faced horned sheep, little subject to either rot 
or scab." 

The sheep of Cannock Heath were hornless, with grayish faces and 
legs, and are described by Youatt as attaining great weight. From 
these two hardy native breeds the Shropshire has been gradually im- 
proved — whether within itself or by further out-crossing with other 
breeds is difficult to determine — until it stands at least the acknowl- 
edged rival of any of our modern middle-wool breeds. 

From Volume I. of the American Shropshire Record we quote: 

"In England, the turning point with Shropshire sheep was in the Royal Show Yard 
at Gloucester, in 1853, when their superiority was recognized.* * * * In the year 
1S59, the breed was awarded a place on the prize sheet of the Royal Agricultural Society, 
as a recognized and distinct breed, at which time 192 Shropshires were exhibited with 
marked success." 

In America they have not hidden their light under a bushel by any 
means. In 1884, at the Chicago Fat Stock Show, 

"A Shropshire took first prize in the class between two and three years old — competing 
with Hampshires and Oxfords ; sweepstakes for best sheep any breed between two and 
three years ; grand sweepstakes, as best sheep any age and any breed ; heaviest fat sheep 
and best dressed carcass." — From an address by J. L. Stone, before the Pennsylvania 
Board of Agricidture, June //, i88b. 

DESCRIPTTON. 

The face is dark grayish or brown, wool coming well down to the eyes, 
and with no trace of horns. The legs are darker than face — almost 
black; head longer than in the Southdown and ears larger, while the 

264 



SHKOI'SHIRK 



265 




266 SHROPSHIRES. 

wool is close set, finer and longer in staple. In addition to this brief 
outline, we give place to the complete description of a typical animal, 
adopted in connection with Scale of Points by the American Shropshire 
Association (Mortimer Levering of Lafayette, Ind., secretary), and ap- 
pearing in Volume I. of the American Shropshire Record: 

' ' Constitution and quality, indicated by form of body ; deep and large in breast and 
through the heart ; back wide, straight, and well covered with lean meat or muscle ; wide 
and full in the thigh ; deep in flank ; skin thick but soft and of a pink color ; prominent, 
brilliant eyes and healthful countenance. 

" In fair condition when fully matured, rams should weigh not less than 225 pounds 
and ewes not less than 175 pounds. 

"General appearance and character: Good carriage; head well up ; elastic move 
ment, showing great symmetry of form and uniformity of character throughout. 

"Body well proportioned, medium bones, great scale and length, well finished hind 
quarters, thick back and loins, twist deep and full, standing with legs well placed outside, 
breast wide and extending well forward. 

' ' Head short and broad ; wide between ears and between eyes ; short from top of 
head to tip of nose ; ears short, of medium size ; eyes expressive ; head should be well 
covered with wool to a point even with the eyes, without any appearance of horns ; color 
of face, dark brown. 

" Neck — Medium length, good bone and muscular development, and especially with 
he rams, heavier tow ard the shoulders, well set high up, and rising from that point to th 
back of the head. 

"Legs — Broad, short, straight, well set apart, well shaped, color dark brown, and 
well wooled to the knees. 

"Bcdy, head, belly and legs to knees well covered with fleece of even length and 
quality ; scrotum of rams well covered with wool. 

"Wool medium, such as known in our markets as 'medium delaine' and 'half 
combing wool,' strong, fine, lustrous fiber, without tendency to mat or felt togetfier, and 
at one year's growth not less than three and one-half inches in length." 

Scale of Points for Shropshires, to be used in connection with 
above description : 

Constitution 25 Forward 70 

Size 10 Neck 5 

General appearance 10 Legs and Feet 10 

Body 10 Fleece 10 

Head ig Quality of Wool .5 

Forward 70 Perfection 100 

The association has already published eight volumes of the Record, 
comprising a total of 52,000 individual animals, and representing 1,050 
owners and active members of the association. 

The Shopshires are especiall}' fitted, by conditions under which 
they have been reared, for moist or even wet localities. That thej" will 
do remarkably well on the dry range of the Southwest we are con- 
strained to doubt, but Shropshire rams for use in grading up the middle 
wools already on the range are giving satisfaction. What more could 
be asked ? 



Chapter LIU. 



HAMPSHIRES. 

This breed originated in the Chalks of Hampshire, England, from 
which locality it takes its name. It is supposed to be the result of 
mixing the blood of the old Wiltshire and native, or old Hampshire 
sheep, with the Southdown. It is stated, also, that the Cotswold, ane 
possibl}' the Leicester, may have had some place in the make-up of the 
modern Hampshire breed, but this is disputed b)' those who may be 
called good authorit}'. In this connection we give place to the following 
interesting communication from that veteran breeder and importer of 
Hampshires, now president of the Hampshire Association, Mr. James 
Vyood, Mount Kisco, N. Y. : 

" The statements made by a number of writers on Hampshires, that they carry 
Cotswold and perhaps Leicester blood, are all based upon a supposition of Spooncr in a 
paper on ' Cross Breeding, ' published in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society 




HAMPSHIRE RAM, CYCLONE. 

Imported by James Wood, Mt. Kisco, New York. 

in 1859, which I have. In the main, it is an admirable paper. He does not say it is a. 
fact, or that there is sufficient evidence to prove it, but he supposes there may have been 
an infusion of such blood. 

"All independent authorities are against it. Youatt is the oldest author who men- 
tions Hampshires, and he states that they had their origin in the original Wiltshire and 
Berkshire sheep crossed with the Southdown. Prof. Wilson — a very high authority — 
states that no other blood was used. John Coleman, professor in the Royal Agricul- 
tural College, Cirencester, and late editor of 7he Field, denies the Cotswold theory. 
Squarey, in Coleman's 'Sheep of Great Britain,' says only the old Chalk breeds and 

267 



268 



HAMPSHIRES. 



Souihdowns were used. Armitage, in 'The Sheep,' makes no mention of Cotswold 
blood or Leicester. Scott, in ' The Practice of Sheep Farming' — the last English bock 
on sheep — makes no mention of such blood. Alexander Macdonald, in the Mark Lane 
Express of May 7, 1888, gives their origin 'from the crossing of Wilts and Hants 
sheep, embellished by an infusion of Southdown blood.' 

"Every author who has not copied from Spooner is clear upon this point. I 
consider the matter to be of considerable importance, as upon the fact of the local 
origin of the breed rests the explanation of the remarkable prepotency of the Hamp- 
shire, when used in cross-breeding, Spooner states that they have extraordinary power in 
cross-breeding, and this is illustrated by the fact that the prizes for cross-bred sheep at 
the great English shows almost always go to sheep with a Hampshire parentage." 




HAMPSHIRE RAM, BARON. 

One year old ; imported by James Wood, Mt. Kisco, N. V. 



Mr. Wood further states that the average weight of breeding rams 
in his own flock, and others with which he is familiar, might be safcl}' 
placed at 250 to 275 lbs., and that his breeding ewes shear an average 
clip of seven to eight pounds. 

The Hampshire is the h.rgest of the Downs families proper, and 
has the Downs characteristics — dark face and legs, and no horns. 

Although the breed has been known since near the beginning of 
the present century, it has been only of late years that it has taken a 
prominent place in public favor. Introduction into the United States 



HAMPSHIRES. 



269 



occurred some time previous to the Civil War, and the largest and 
finest flocks were found in the South. During the war, however (1860- 
65), the great bulk of the Hampshire Down flocks in the South were 
destroyed, and the breed practically exterminated in this section. 
Within the past decade they have been quite extensively imported to 
various parts of the South and Southwest, and are said to surpass their 
progenitors — the Southdowns — in the readiness with which they 
acclimate and adapt themselves to our peculiar conditions. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color of face and legs dark brown, almost black ; the ears are of 
good size, and more pointed than those of the Southdown ; the head 




HAMPSHIRE EWES. 

Imported by James Wood, Mt. Kisco, N. Y. {By courtesy of " Country Gentleman'' Albany, N. K) 

is large and the nose decidedly Roman ; the back is straight, and 
broader than in either the Southdown or Shropshire. As already noted, 
it is the largest of the Downs families proper, about equaling the Ox- 
fordshire (which latter, although classed as a Down, should be placed in 
a class intermediate between Downs and Longwools), fat two-year-old 
wethers weighing as high as 275 to 300 pounds, and mature breeding 
rams scaling an average say between 200 and 225 pounds. Although 
heavier than Shropshires, they are hardly so symmetrical, being longer 
in the legs and somewhat lighter underneath, but the back at the loin is 



-2'~IO HAMPSHIRES. 

remarkably padded with an excellent quality of mutton. The fleece is 
longer than that of the Southdown, and of a quality somewhat coarser ; 
but as a rule, considering the greater size of the breed, the Hampshire 
Downs do not shear so heavy a fleece ; an average clip for high-class 
flocks might be placed at five to seven pounds. 

The prominent characteristic of the Hampshire breed lies in the 
remarkable precocity of the lambs, which frequently increase from 15 
or 16 pounds at birth to 140 or 150 pounds at seven or eight months ; 
and their excellence in this respect has led to the use of Hampshire 
rams in producing early lambs for city market. 

The Hampshire Down Breeders' Association of America — John I. 
•Gordon, secretary, Mercer, Pa. — has adopted the following Scale of 
Points : 

Head — size and shape, 5 ; ears and eyes, 2 ; color, 5 ; legs and feet, 3 15 

Neck shoulders and breast — neck, 5 ; shoulders, 10 ; chest and breast, 15 .... 30 

Body — back and loin, 15 ; ribs, 5 20 

Quarters — length, 10; width, 10; twist, 5 25 

Wool — forehead and cheeks, 2 ; belly, well covered, 3 ; quality, 5 10 

Perfection 100 

Secretary Gordon writes that "Vol. H. Flock Record will be 
published in January, 1893, and will contain the pedigrees of something 
,over 1,200 animals." 



Chapter LIV. 



OXFORDSHIRES. 

The Oxfords should stand between the "Downs" and " Long- 
-wools" in their classification, the tendency being more toward the latter. 
The)' originated about 1830, by crossing the improved Cotswold with 
the Hampshire. Probably the Southdown was used in the mixture, 
to some small extent, but the two breeds first mentioned may be looked 
upon as the parent stock. The wool is more marked by the Cotswold's 
■combing quality, Avhile the dark faces and legs show unmistakable 
■evidence of the Hampshire blood. 

The Oxfordshire breed first came into public notice about 1850 to 
i85o, during which time the best flocks were found in the shire of Ox- 
ford. Since that date, their excellent qualities have given them a foot- 
hold in almost every county of England. In America, they are not so 
widely known as some other breeds, but a Register has been established, 
and the breed has been pushed forward rapidly. We understand, also, 
that a number of Oxfords have been brought to the Southwest, and that 
they are giving excellent satisfaction. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Color of face and legs dark brown, with a grayish tinge, inclining to 
■drab ; head medium to large, with a tuft of wool at the forehead, 
standing out more from the head and not so long as in the Cotswold ; 
the forehead is very broad and full ; ears set low and well back ; eyes 
large, and muzzle finely pointed. The fleece is not so long as that of 
the Cotswold — being about five to seven inches — but is closer and finer, 
-with much the same tendency to curl, and stands well out from the 
body. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the Oxford 
Down Record Association : 

Head 8 Forward 37 

Face 4 Breast 10 

Nostrils I Fore Flank 5 

Eyes 2 Back and Loin 12 

Ears 4 Belly . ■ 3 

Collar 6 Quarters 8 

Shoulder 8 Hock 2 

Fore Legs 4 Twist or junction 6 

5ce I 

Perfection ic 



Fleece 17 

Forward . ^ , 37 



271 



272 



OXFORDSHIRES. 




OXFORDSHIRES. 273 

The Oxfordshire is a well made, round bodied, short legged, mutton 
and wool combined sheep. In size it about equals the Hampshire; an 
average weight for mature breeding rams might be placed between 200 
and 225 pounds, while two-year-old fat wethers are frequently found 
weighing upwards of 275 to 300 pounds. The Oxford is said to stand 
herding upon wet or spongy range better than any other breed of sheep, 
and from the fact that its original home at the base of the Cotswold 
Hills was just such a wet, springy locality, we are inclined to credit the 
statement. 

We are pleased to present the excellent portrait from life of the ram 
Freeland, 220, and four of his sons, kindly furnished us by Mr. W. A. 
Shafor, of Middletown, Ohio, a breeder of Oxfords, and secretary of the 
American Oxford Down Record, to whom we are indebted for many 
favors. Freeland was bred by Mr. Milton Druse, of Fyfield, England, 
and at two years of age — when imported by T. S. Cooper, of Coop- 
ersburg. Pa. — weighed 425 pounds. 



18 



Chapter LV. 



COTSWOLDS. 

The Cotswold breed is ver}' old and firmly fixed in its characteristics. 
It is said to liave been introduced into England from Spain in the Twelfth 
Century; the statement is only a supposition, however, probably based 
on the fact that Spain possesses a breed of Longwools not unlike the 
old unimproved Cotswolds. Certain it is that in the Thirteenth Centurj' 
Cotswold wool was known and valued in England, and found a place as 
such in wool quotations. In 1467, permission was granted as a royal 
favor by the King, Henry IV., to export some of these sheep to Spain, 
a fact which illustrates the high favor Cotswolds had obtained at that date. 

Improvement of the breed was mainly effected after Bakewell's 
time, by using the Leicester as a cross; this gave a greater aptitude to 
fatten, smoothness, quality and appearance, without injuring the hardy 
constitution of the old Cotswold breed. In America the breed has be- 
come widely known, and is in general favor as a combined wool and 
mutton sheep. 

Probably the first large importation was made about 1840, at which 
time some 70 or 80 head were brought over ; since that date numerous 
flocks have been founded, and the original excellence of imported ani- 
mals has been fulh' sustained by American breeders. 

DESCRIPTION .4ND CHAR.-iCTERlSTICS. 

Color of face and legs white or light grayish; fleece (combing) eight 
to 10 inches long, pure white, and weighing from 10 to 16 pounds for 
an average clip. In size the Cotswold ranks among the large breeds, 
ranging from 250 to 275 pounds, and occasionally a specimen dressing 
over 300 pounds. The head is strong and large, with a somewhat "Ro- 
man" nose, no horns, and a characteristic forelock of long curling wool 
hanging over the forehead; the back is broad and flat, and the wool falls 
away, natural!}' parted, from the center; the legs are of medium length, 
with rather heavy bone, but clean and trim withal, and the feet are sound 
and said to be not subject to foot diseases. The Cotswolds are large, 
handsome, long-wooled sheep — prime for mutton and furnishing an ex- 
cellent quality of combing wool. The\' have been e.xtensivelj' used in 
crosses, and have already figured in the origin of several well-known 

274 



COTS WOLDS. 



275 




276 



COTSWOLDS. 




COTSWOLDS. 277 



breeds. They are not so prolific as some other varieties, but the ewes 
are good mothers, and the flock will thrive with ordinary management 

The followirg Scale of Points, to be used in connection with de- 
scription given, is taken from Volume III. of the American Cotswold 
Kecord, George Harding, Waukesha, Wis., secretary: 

EWE. 

„ RAM. 

** Head g 

4 Face 

^ Nostrils ' J 

^ Eyes 2 

4 Ears . . 

I Collar '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 6 

■ Shoulders g 

4 ■ • ■. Fore Legs ... 

^° . Breast ......'..' in 

4 Fore Flank 

"■^ . Back and Loin .... 



5 
12 



5 Belly 

Quarters g 

2 • • Hock 

5 Twist 



18 



Fleece. 



5 
18 



100 



'"" Perfection 

The animals represented in illustrations are from the flockof T L 
Miller, Beecher, III Mr. Miller requests us to say, however, that he is 
not now breeding Cotswolds, his entire time being devoted to Hereford 

C3,ctiG. 



Chapter LVI. 



LEICESTERS. 

The improved Leicester is peculiarly the result of Mr. Bakewell's 
wonderful skill as a breeder, and its origin and improvement maj' be 
best studied by a short review of Bakewell's methods as employed in 
improving and fixing the type of the Leicester breed. Mr. Bakewell 
lived at Dishle}', in Leicestershire, England, and about 1750 began to 
apply himself to the improvement of sheep in his localit}'. His plan 
was to select from different flocks, without regard to size, the sheep 
which showed greatest aptitude to fatten with least appearance of excess 
of bone and offal, and he regarded the fleece as of secondary importance. 

From Youatt " On Sheep " we quote : 

' ' The sort o£ sheep, therefore, which Mr. Bakewell selected were those possessed of 
the most perfect symmetry with the greatest aptitude to fatten, and rather smaller in 
size than the sheep then generally bred. Having formed his stock from sheep so selected, 
he carefully attended to the peculiarities of the individuals from which he bred ; and, it 
appears, did not object to breeding from near relatives, when, by so doing, he put 
together animals likely to produce a progeny possessing the characteristics that he wished 
to obtain. Mr. Bakewell has been supposed by some persons to have formed the New 
Leicester variety by crossing different sorts of sheep ; but there does not appear to be 
any reason for believing this ; and the circumstance of the New Leicesters varying in 
their appearance and qualities so much as they do from the other varieties of long-wooled 
sheep can by no means be considered as proving that such was the system which, he 
adopted." 

It has been stated, however, that Mr. Bakewell used sheep of six or 
seven different breeds, and that at one time, a magnificent black ram 
was found hidden away in a pen at his place. We are inclined to 
believe that the general reticence as to his methods — amounting almost 
to apparent selfishness — which he observed, led to a great deal of unwar- 
ranted suspicion and surmising. The account given by Youatt seems 
more reasonable, and especially' so, since it is a now well-known prin- 
ciple of breeding, that judicious selection, combined with proper care of 
breeding animals, may — without admixture of other blood — entirely 
change the appearance and character of a breed. 

Having thus far established his flock, Mr. Bakewell pursued the 
plan of hiring out rams to the neighboring breeders — a plan, by the way, 
which was beneficial to himself in permitting a wider range for selection 
of his breeding stock, and to the farmers, by permitting a change of 
rams at minimum expense — and in this way continued until the Lei- 

278 



LEICESTERS. 



279 




I 
i 

r 



2So 



LEICESTERS. 




LEICESTERS. 281 

cester breed was firmly fixed, both in character and popularity. What- 
ever may be said of Mr. Bakewell's selfish reserve regarding his plan of 
breeding, it cannot be denied that he has done great good in improving 
the modern breeds of sheep — a statement more easily believed vs^hen we 
realize that the New or Improved Leicester has had much to do in 
improving nearly all of the modern mutton breeds. 

In America the Leicesters have not been extensively bred and 
advertised, although in Canada the}' are much better known and appre- 
ciated than in the United States. The first importation of which we 
have any record was made by Christopher Dunn, of Albany, New York, 
in 1812, and there are, perhaps, not over a score of breeders — on any- 
thing like an extensive scale — in the United States to-day, and none, at 
least to our knowledge, in the South. An American Leicester Breeders' 
Association has been organized, with A. J. Temple, of Cameron. 111., 
secretary 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color of face and legs white ; head small and clean, with tuft of 
wool at forehead (not so long as in case of Cotswold) ; the eyes are 
bright ; ears of good size, placed well back ; neck and shoulders square 
and deep ; back straight, with deep carcass ; hind quarters not so full 
and square as in the Cotswold, but fairly well padded, and legs clean 
and fine-boned. Mr. Wm. Rivers, a prominent breeder of both Lei- 
cesters and Southdowns in Canada, writes us under date July 2, 1888, 
as follows : 

" The flesh (of the Leicester) is juicy, but of moderate quality, and is remarkable for 
the amount of outside fat it carries. They are not considered so hardy as other large 
breeds, and require shelter and good keep. We have found the ewes to be prolific and 
good mothers, but the young lambs require more attention than those of the Southdown. 
Early maturity and aptitude to fatten are the principal characteristics of the breed " 

We may add that some other breeders have not found the Lei- 
cesters prolific, and it is generally believed that prolificacy is not one of 
the Leicester's strong claims. 

The Leicester fleece is classed with the long wools (combing) — 
showing a staple of from six to ten inches, and high-class flocks shear- 
ing an average of eight or nine pounds. In size, they are among the 
large breeds — fat two-year-old wethers weighing from 230 to 260 
pounds, and mature breeding rams about 190 to 215 pounds. 

Of our illustrations, one represents a group of Canada-bred sheep, 
engraved after a sketch from life ; the other represents a ewe, bred and 
raised in England. 



Chapter LVII. 



LINCOLNS. 

Like the Leicester, this breed is a very old one, made over. The 
old native sheep of Lincolnshire, England, was a big, gaunt, raw-boned 
animal — capable of feeding to enormous weight, but requiring a large 
amount of food, and a long time to accomplish it. After Bakewell's 
time, Lincoln breeders began to use Leicester rams to improve their 
flocks, with the result of decreasing size and length of time required to 
mature ; increasing at the same time quality of flesh and wool, and 
aptitude to fatten. 

So excellent was the basis and so great the improvement, that from 
i860 (at which date the Lincoln breed was first given a separate class) 
to 1870, the majority of prizes for long-wooled sheep at English fairs 
were taken by the Lincolns. In America the}' have long been bred in 
a small wa}', but there are as yet few breeders of any prominence. 
Canada leads the United States in numbers of both Lincolns and Lei- 
cesters, and most of the flocks now in the United States are descended 
from Canada bred or Canada imported stock. Geary Brothers have a 
fine flock of Lincolns at London, Ontario, Canada, and as they also 
have a farm at Brookfield, Missouri — where their large Aberdeen- 
Angus and English shire interests are located — it is presumable that 
the Lincoln sheep will eventually become pretty well scattered and 
favorably known, at least in Missouri. There are also flocks of some 
size in Minnesota, Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas. An Ameri- 
can Association has been organized, with L. C. Graham, of Cameron, 
Illinois, secretary. 

DESCRIPTION AND CH.A.R.\CTERISTICS. 

Color of face and legs white ; head large and conspicously free 
from wool at the forehead, which narrows somewhat sharply backward. 
The neck is of medium length, well set on to deep shoulders ; back 
straight and full, but not so broad as in the Cotswold ; legs rather long, 
firm, large boned; and general appearance, if not sprighth^, at least 
strong and vigorous. The fleece is the longest of the long wools (comb- 
ing), lustrous in character, and showing a staple from nine to twelve 
inches in length. High-class flocks yield an annual clip of from nine 
to fifteen pounds the fleece. 

282 



LINCOLNS. 



283,. 




284 



LINCOLN'S. 




LINCOLNS. 285 

In size, the Lincolns are classed as the largest of modern breeds — 
fat two-year-old wethers frequently weighing upwards of 300 pounds, 
and mature breeding rams from 225 to 250 pounds. From Consul 
General Merritt's Report, dated at London, England, March 25, 1884, 
we clip ths following in reference to Lincoln sheep : 

"Being very broad, deep and compact in form, they generally outstrip the Cots- 
wolds in %veight at the Sraithfield Club Shows, and last December, the heaviest pen [three 
animals of a kind taken collectively] of sheep in the Agricultural Hall was that of Mr. 
John Pears, which took first prize in the Ewe Class, the animals weighing nine cwt., 
two quarters, twenty-four pounds." 

An average of 3237/3 pounds per head. 

The Lincoln requires rich food and plenty of it, but when the 
proper conditions are given, it would be hard to find a more profitable 
sheep. For the South, we would hardly consider them valuable — al- 
though it must be admitted that the opinion is purely theoretical, since 
we have no knowledge of any Lincoln flocks in the Gulf states. 

The large illustration represents the ram Rescue, winner of nine 
first and four second prizes in England and Canada ; and the two 
shearling ewes Daisy and Ermine, winners of the first and second 
prizes respectively at no less than five fairs or exhibitions on the 
Canada side; all imported in 1883, by Geary Bros., London, Ontario, 
Canada, and Brookfield, Mo., U. S. A. 

The ram, Lord Preston, was bred and raised in England, and the 
engraving is the work of English artists. 



Chapter LVIII. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGE- 
MENT OF SHEEP. 

The selection of sheep — more than any other race of domestic ani- 
mals — requires strict regard to the purpose for which the}' are desired. 
In the chapters under Part Third we have tried to give an accurate de- 
iscription of each of the modern breeds, and have stated in brief the 
pecuhar conditions under which each breed will give best returns. With 
these hints alread}^ before us, it is unnecessary to treat further of selec- 
tion of breed than to saj': Each partj' must first determine the purpose 
for which he desires sheep — whether for mutton or for wool, or for both 
combined — by a careful study of his market facilities, both as to rela- 
tive demand and price for mutton and wool, and also as to relative ship- 
ping charges in transporting either to market. Having once reached 
a decision on above, and after carefull}' studying the characteristics of 
the different breeds of sheep, and comparing the needs of each with the 
<;onditions of climate, soil and food which obtain in his immediate lo- 
cality, he is then ready to select the breed with something like an intelli- 
-gent judgment. 

The man who tries raising sheep because he thinks -"sheep are not 
worth much anyway, and if a few die it is no great loss," had best 
obtain more sense before investing his dollars. There is nothing in the 
live stock line which demands such close calculation, and such an inti- 
mate knowledge of the business, as the breeding and handling of sheep. 
It is a common saying that "■the ram is half the flock," and it might be 
stated with equal force that the shepherd is the other half. It is reall}' of 
great importance that the shepherd in charge of the flock be a man who 
thoroughly understands his work, and such a man must be sought among 
those who have "grown up in the sheep pen." To graduate in the 
School of Experience requires many years, but the course, when com- 
pleted, is of incalculable value. It is not every man that can have the 
advantage of early boyhood training in this direction, but if a prac- 
tical shepherd can be secured, he may still be able to handle sheep with 
reasonable success. 

In selecting service rams, the breeder should aim to secure perfec- 
tion in shape and fleece, rather than excess of weight. An unusually large 
xam may produce some very large lambs, but he will also produce very 

286 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 287 

many small ones; while, on the other hand, a short-coupled, close made, 
smooth and even, but smaller ram will breed with much greater uni- 
formity. The head of the stock ram should always be small in propor- 
tion to the body; the legs firm but not large ; the back and loin well pad- 
ded with mutton and covered densely with wool of even length, and the 
general appearance and style should be brisk and sprightly — a lazy look- 
ing, "droopy" ram, as a rule, is not a strong breeder. Light but strong 
bones are much to be desired in a sheep, and large bones are always ob- 
jectionable. If the head is too large — unless bred to ewes unusually 
broad and deep in the pelvic region — much trouble will result at lamb- 
ing time, and considerable loss may be incurred. 

The ewe should be selected with reference to type of the breed to 
which she belongs, and, especially if bred to produce a certain result, 
should exhibit the peculiar characteristics which the breeder aims to se- 
cure. The primary purpose of the ewe being that of a mother, she should 
be chosen with especial reference to her capacity to carry and nourish the 
fcetus, and produce milk for the lamb. Ewes are like cows — some are 

.good milkers, but many are poor in this respect, and the external signs 
of milking excellence are much the same in both. A feminine appear- 
ance of the head, wide, open pelvis, and body deep at the flank, and 
marks which should always guide in selection of the ewe. 

We are not of opinion that, the ordinary sheep farmer will have very 
great success with thoroughbred flocks of any breed; but we cannot urge 
too strongly the use of thoroughbred rams in grading up the hardy na- 
tive or mixed-bred sheep common to different sections of the country. 
Mixed-bred flocks receive very kindly the blood of any of the improved 
breeds, and it is only a question of result desired as to what breed of ram 
should be selected. As a rule, wherever dry, scant ranges are found — 

•especially in warm climates — wool will be more profitable than mutton, 
and no sheep will succeed' better than the Merino. Where land is more 
fertile, and food in consequence more abundant, a combination of mut- 
ton and wool may be found more profitable ; for such conditions as are 
found in the upper portion of the Mississippi Valley, the '' middle-wools" 
have held the field against all others; and in the same section it has been 
found profitable, when flocks of short-wool basis were already present, 
to use compact rams of the long-wool breeds — combining in this way 
the hardy characters of the former with the size and mutton capacity of 
the latter, and producing a middle-wool flock with least expenditure of 
time and monej'. 

To improve a flock requires, primarily, an accurate knowledge of the 
type desired. The improver must carry in his mind's eye, a picture of 
the sheep he wishes to produce, and every animal of either sex which 

.he employs to accomplish his purpose must be selected by comparison 

nvith this .ideal type. He must remember that it takes time to accom- 



288 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE ANP MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 

plish much in the way of improvement, and that he cannot expect to se- 
cure in any two, or even three or four animals, all the points — in perfec- 
tion — which he wishes combined in one individual. Above all, let it be 
remembered that the most careful and judicious selection maj' be set at 
naught by ignorant or careless management of the breeding flock; sheep 
are delicate propert}', and while with breeders of any race of domestic 
animals careful attention is a paying investment, with the breeder of 
sheep it becomes a most essential factor of success. 

The student will find it profitable to make a careful study of the 
actual methods employed b}' successful breeders in different parts of the 
country, and to this end we invite attention to the following letters: 

Shropshires. 

" Fairview Farm, Woodville, Ont., July 25, t3«S. 
* * * * 

" Ewes, if at all low in condition, are prepared for turning to the ram by feeding a 
little mi.\ed grain — two-thirds oats and one-third peas — once daily. It is thought by many 
practical flock owaers that ewes gaining in flesh when being served give a larger number 
of twins. The bucks are usually let to them about the first of September for early lambs, 
and in October for a later lot. As my flocks are all pure-bred Shropshires, the object in 
having lambs dropped so early is to have them well forward for exhibiting in the fall, but 
it is also the most profitable way of raising market lambs, as about Easter good ones bring 
double the price of those marketed two months later. During the late fall the flock is 
allowed into its winter quarters at night, but is not kept yarded until the snow covers the 
ground. 

"The winter feeding until lambing time is as follows: Pea-straw from peas cut 
before being fully ripe is fed in tne morning, three pounds of turnips per ewe at noon, 
and a full feed of clover hay at night, with abundance of good, clean water. No grain is 
fed at this period except a small daily allowance of mixed oats and bran to thin ewes. 
During the winter they are not closely housed, but have an open shed to shelter them 
from storms and wet, with yards attached for exercise, but separate from all other stock. 

"During our cold winter weather warm quarters are necessary for lambing, but 
when the lambs are two weeks old, they run into the sheds and yards. After the lambs 
are dropped, the ewes are carefully tended ; warm drinks of water, bran and a sprinkle of 
salt are given thrice daily, and clover hay. The third day, oat and pea meals are added 
to the bran, when the water used for moistening may be cool (but not too cool), and three 
pounds of mangel-wurzel are given daily. The slop is increased in quantity, until all 
that is eaten at once is fed morning and night, and tne roots are mcreased to six pounds 
for a noon feed, with a full supply of clover hay and water. This liberal feeding induces 
a heavy flow of milk, just what is required to make the lambs grow rapidly at that stage, 
and the ewes, as well, will often gain in condition. When the lambs are three weeks 
old, a separate division is provided for them to run in at will, where a mixture of 
ground oats, peas, and also bran, with oil cake [linseed] added later on, is fed. When 
turned to grass, the ewes are given some dry grain for a week or two, and when early for- 
ward lambs are wanted, the mixture is continued all summer. Whether pre-maturity is 
wanted or not, all lambs are given an allowance of grain after weaning, about the 15th of 
July or August i. By this system, Fairview flock has produced yearly averages per ewe 
of 1/4 to 1 3^ lambs, some weighing, year after year in September, 130 pounds, and in 
1883, a ram lamb, dropped in February, was exhibited from this flock at the Industrial 
Exhibition, Toronto, Canada, which weighed 175 pounds in SeptemDer. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 289 

" As a rule, ram lambs are not used, though no doubt an early, well developed one is 
quite capable of serving a dozen to twenty ewes without hurt, and with good results. 
When used on a large flock — 40 to 60 ewes — he is not allowed constantly with them ; is 
kept apart, fed whole oats and peas, with bran added, and turned to the flock a short time 
each evening. With half the number a mature buck is run the whole day with the flock, 
kept separate at night, and fed grain. 

"The winter care of rams is similar to that given ewes before lambing, with the 
exception of double the quantity of roots being fed ; and also some grain, if more than 
ordinary condition is required, as for show purposes, or for pushing on lambs to earlier 
maturity as shearlings. 

" Shearing is generally' done before the sheep are turned to grass, in the beginning 
of May, though sometimes, if the weather is favorable, the wool is taken off a month 
earlier than that date. To keep the wool in good condition and prevent its being pulled, 
because of ticks or skin disease, the flock is dipped with tobacco water, or one of the 
patent sheep dips, early in the fall, while the weather is mild. The lambs are dipped pre- 
viously in May, when tobacco water is preferred, as it does not injure the tender skin, 
which the others are apt to do. After shearing, each fleece is carefully spread on a table, 
skin side downwards, all tags removed, and the sides folded toward the center until about 
18 inches in width, when it is tightly rolled from the tail end, and a rope twisted from the 
neck end, with which the fleece is tied up. When tidily done, it can be handled without 
breaking, and the manufacturer can sort at will. 

"Very truly, JOHN R. CAMPBELL, Jr." 

In Mr. Campkell's letter we have a clear exposition of the maDner 
of handling" sheep in a cold country, and one which cannot fail to be of 
value, not only to the breeders of sheep in a similar climate, but to 
breeders in any latitude. The object in breeding sheep is to make 
money, and the point with mutton producers is to secure great weight 
at an early age ; Mr. Campbell explains very clearly the double advan- 
tage he derives from this early forcing process- and shows a close 
acquaintance with the profit side of sheep account. 

American Merinos. 

Stanberry, Mo., July 23, 1888. 
* * * * 

"Commencing at breeding time, when the ewes are supposed to be in lamb, the 
rams are separated from the ewes, generally keeping all the rams in one fold, and in good 
thriving condition ; never allowing any to get thin in flesh, usually feeding regularly on 
the best of clover and timothy hay whenever they desire to eat it ; if this and the pas- 
turage — which should be of the best, and always with pure water, easily accessible — is 
insufficient for the growth of flesh, we give at least once per day a feed of grain, about 
one gill to half pint each — a mixture of three parts oats and one wheat. 

' ' Through the breeding season, such feeding ought to be nearly, if not quite, doubled 
for rams. A remunerative plan is to separate the rams at night from the sight of the 
ewes, and to these as to all other sheep, give thin feed, of a wholesome quality, and in a 
strictly clean place, with ample room for all to feed without crowding. None of the 
brute creation is naturally more cleanly, and consequently for profit such rules must be 
adhered to. 

" With the ram, constitution and vitality cover 60 out of the 100 points, and from the 

lot the most vigorous and strong (other things being equal) are selected for service. 

Ewes, after having been bred, are allowed or required to take more of gentle exercise, 

with an abundant amount of nutritious pasture, and are supplied with well cured and 

19 



2g0 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEiMENT OK SHEEP. 

timely prepared roughness, from grass, corn fodder, small grain straw, etc., to supply any 
deficiency caused by frosts or drouth ; if necessary to keep or put into good, strong flesh, 
be sure to add a grain feed, proportionate to the needs ; 300 well kept ewes will shear 
annually more wool and raise more lambs than 5?o half starved. Especially at the 
approach of the lambing season do the ewes need extra care and feed. When the herds- 
man says ' the ewes do not own the lambs,' he ought to be informed that the flock-master 
does not own his sheep, for ' tis the full udder that calls for the lamb,' and the dam can 
only supply to her offspring from what has first been given her. In proportion to the 
desire for the growth of the lambs should be the food supply to the ewes. If the lambs 
are intended for mutton, they ought to be encouraged to eat of grain as young as possible, 
say from eight to twelve weeks old, and all lambs will grow and thrive best that are 
weaned at about five or six months of age. They should be separated from their dams, 
and put on the most succulent pasture, and fed partially on grain for the first winter — for 
stock sheep, an amount sufficient for good thrift and growth ; for the block or shambles, 
as much as is readily consumed till the butcher wishes them, let it be three months or 
three years. 

' ' Shearing and marketing of wool is an important part of this industry, and as a rule, 
from one to three cents per pound can be gained or lost in the way wool is handled, and 
as a rule from ro to 20 per cent . in the time of year this is done . Sheep ought to be shorn 
earlier in the season than is generally practiced, from which two great advantages arise : 
one is, that in the fall of the year, or when inclement weather comes on, the earlier shorn 
has more protection ; and the other is, the earlier shorn will give annually a larger fleece for 
several reasons, among them : (i) that a large amount of wool, which some sheep natur- 
ally shed, is saved ; and (2) being clipped, prevents the habit of shedding. I always shear 
as early as the weather will permit, not minding the month except for the show sheep, 
which according to the rules of our associations, put the" limit not earlier than April ist. 
I have never known any losses to newly shorn sheep except from their being exposed to 
wet, and have known more in June than in March. At shearing, all impurities should be 
clipped from the fleece, which should be carefully handled, not torn, and being turned 
flesh side out on a clean table, folded together and rolled up, and tied with specially pre- 
pared twine, sufficient, and only so, to keep in place, after which keep the wool clean from 
(just, straw or other things, and if one has a desirable lot of wool with an attractive ap- 
pearance, the commission man will find it, and the grower can sell at home, and know 
what he gets for it. This I have always done. 

■■Most truly, L. E. SHATTUCK." 

Mr. Shattuck believes in early shearing — a point on which we think 
he is quite correct. If sheep are to be shorn for a record it is, of 
course, necessary that some S3'steni prevail, by which uniformity may 
be secured ; but if a man is breeding for dollars and cents, and without 
regard to association rules, we see no reason why the shearing cannot 
be done at least a week earlier than is generally practiced. We are glad 
to note this point regarding milking quality in the ewe ; too many over- 
look this, and seem to regard the ewe as an unchangeable machine — 
capable of just so much and no more in this direction. There is as 
much difference among ewes in milking quality as among cows ; no one 
would make the mistake of breeding cows that could not support 
their calves, and yet this very thing is overlooked by one-half of the 
modern breeders of sheep. Mr. Shattuck is one of our most successful 
wool men, and his hints on handling the fleece and marketing the wool 
may be read with profit. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEidENT OF SHEEP. 2gi 

American Merinos. 

Sowers, Texas, July 31, 1888. 
» -X- » * ..■> 

' ' I have 300 acres of land located on Grapevine Prairie ; the land is high and quite 
\undulating. Soil mostly gravelly mesquite land ; all fenced sheep proof, five wires — three 
.barbed and two smooth — beginning with barbed at top and bottom ; posts 16 feet apart. 
I began in the spring of 1885 with 175 head Michigan-bred ewes and five rams. On the 
.20th, October I begin breeding the ewes. To every 100 head I turn in one ram in the 
morning, and take him out at night. On the second day after, I return ram to the 
ilock, or a fresh one in his stead. I continue in this way until all the ewes, or nearly 
all, are with lamb, then I allow one or more of my best rams to remain with the flock 
until about Christmas, when I remove all the rams from the ewe flock until the follow- 
ing October. My land is divided into five pastures, all well shaded and watered. I do 
not allow my flock to run more than a month in one pasture before changing them 
around. 

' ' My flock is divided into three flocks — breeding ewes, rams and lambs, and are 
kept thus separated the whole year round. I begin feeding as early in the winter as 
weather and condition of flocks demand, on sorghum, corn fodder, prairie hay, corn, 
cotton seed and sheaf oats. I limit myself to no given amount per head, but feed, ac- 
cording to the mildness or severity of the weather, about what I think they require and 
will eat up clean. During the cold and all of the wet weather of the year, I keep them 
housed in well-built sheds. My lambs begin coming March 20th, and are generally all 
through by the first of May. I castrate lambs at two to four days old ; dock all at about 
■one week to ten days old, and wean at four months. I shear at about the middle of 
May, and sack the fleeces 'loose' in regular wool sacks. I have now 475 head of all 
ages — all full-blood Merinos. In fair weather, I always feed liberally with salt and 
■sulphur (one part sulphur to two parts salt), except to ewes in pregnancy. I shear but 
once a year, and fleece averages for entire flock from 11 to 12 lbs. 

"Respectfully yours, C. F. MILLS." 

We extend our compliments to Mr. Mills for the concise, clear and 
full account of his way of handling sheep. We have not the pleasure 
of a personal acquaintance, but his letter indicates that he understands 
his business, and will doubtless succeed. 




I, Nose, or Snout; 2, Face, or Dish ; 3, Ears; 4, Neck; 5, Shoulder; 6, Back; 7, 
Rump : 8, Tail ; g. Ham ; 10, Lower Thigh, Leg or Twist ; 11, Hock, or Heel ; 12, Shank, 
or Hind Cannon; 13, Onglons, or False Hoofs; 14, Hoof, or Foot; 15, Flank; 16, 
Belly ; 17, Side or Ribs ; 18, Girth ; 19, Fore-arm ; 20, Knee ; 21, Cheek, or Jowl ; 22, 
Nipples, or Dugs. 



292 



PA-RT BOURTH, 



SWINK. 

LARGE BREEDS. 

PAGE 

Berkshires Chapter LIX 294 

Poland-Chinas " LX 298 

Duroc-Jerseys " LXI 301 

Chester-Whites " LXII 395 

Todd's Improved Chester-Whites . . " LXIII 307 

GoTHLANDs " LXIV 309 

MIDDLE BREEDS. 

Curtis Victorias Chapter LXV 310 

Davis Victorias " LXVI 312 

Cheshires " LXVII 314 

SMALL BREEDS. 

Small Yorkshires Chapter LXVIII 317 

Essex " LXIX 320 

Neapolitans " LXX 322 

English or Black Suffolks .... " LXXI 323 

American or White Suffolks .... '■ LXXII 324 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 
Chapter LXXIII 



325 



293 



Chapter LIX. 



BERKSHIRES. 

As indicated by the name, this variety of swine originated in the county 
or shire of Berk, England. The old original Berkshire was a large, raw- 
boned, coarse hog, with lop ears ; was black and white in color, with oc- 
casional red or sandy spots. 

Improvement of the breed was begun about the year 1780, b}' cross- 
ing with the Chinese hog ; but it was not until Lord Barrington's time 
(1820-30) that the breed was brought to an}' degree of perfection. (It is 
stated by some authors, that the Neapolitan hog was the main source of 
Berkshire improvement ; this^ however, is firmly denied b}' others, and we 
have nowhere been able to find safe authority for the use of the Neapoli- 
tan at all in this connection.) The methods pursued by Lord Barring- 
ton can only be surmised, but it is certain that he added much to the 
merits of the Berkshire breed, and achieved a reputation full}' proved by 
the fact that nearly all of the English Berkshires trace their ancestry to 
his herd. 

Probably the first importation to the United States was made b}' John 
Brentnall, of New Jersey, in 1823. Some years later, about 1832, Sid- 
ney Hayes, an English farmer residing near Albany, N. Y. , brought over 
a few head. Since that time numbers have been imported, and the im- 
provement made by American breeders has been so marked as to cause 
competent judges to decide in favor of the American-bred hog. Pro- 
fessor James Long, in his admirable work, "The Book of the Pig," 
speaking of breeding for exhibition, says : 

' ' In America the Berkshire pig is much more extensively bred than with us, and 
there is in that country not only a very much larger number of breeders of pigs of an ex- 
hibition type, but there is a Berkshire Pig Association, which is supported by a large 
body of members, although English breeders, to whom the Americans originally came for 
the foundations of their herds, have hitherto lacked sufficient spirit and energy to carry 
anything of the kind to a successful issue." 

Although an English variety of swine, we prefer to accept the stand- 
ard of American breeders as outlined in the following 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN BERKSHIRE. 

Color black, with white feet, small white line in face, and a white 
spot at tip of tail. (Occasionally there is a small splashing of white on 
arm, and sometimes spots occur on other portions of the body, but their 

294 



BERKSHIRES. 



'95 




2g6 BERKSHIRES. 

presence is regarded with disfavor, and they are entirely excluded by 
breeders of the more fashionable strains. ) The face is short, fine, well 
dished and broad between the eyes ; ears erect or in dining forward, stiff at 
base, but so thin and delicate as to shake and tremble with every move- 
ment of the animal ; jowl heavy ; neck short and thick ; shoulders deep 
and full ; back broad and straight, or slightly arched ; long ribs well 
sprung, giving roundness of barrel, and short ribs long and spreading, 
giving breadth and fullness of loin. The hips are long, heavy, round 
and deep, bearing their flesh well down to the hock ; tail fine, small and 
set well up to the sacral curve ; legs short, straight, fine-boned and set 
wide apart ; body medium to long ; hair fine, rather thin in fashionable 
strains, and skin elastic and pliable. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the American 
Berkshire Association (John G. Springer, of Springfield, 111., secre- 
tary), and is now in general use : 

Color 4 Forward 47 

Face and Snout 7 Sides 6 

Eye 2 Flank 5 

Ear 4 Loin 9 

Jowl 4 Ham 10 

Neck 4 Tail 2 

Hair 3 Legs 5 

Skin 4 Symmetry 6 

Shoulder 7 Condition 

Back 8 Style 5 

Forward 47 Perfection 100 

Secretary Springer writes under date December 21, 1892 : 

"* * Twelve volumes of the American Berkshire Record have been published. 

* * Volume XIII., for which entries are being made, will be closed in a short time.* 

* * The list number recorded at this writing is 28780 

" Among swine the Berkshire his continued to hold its place in high esteem, and is 
to-day, as has been the case for years, the standard for comparison of other breeds. The 
Berkshire in America has in the last few years made great progress in excellence, so that it 
is thought that we now have here the best in the world, and to prove this our breeders 
are quite anxious to come in competition with English breeders at the World's Columbian 
Exposition.*" 

CHARACTERISTICS. 

The Berkshires possess great muscular power and extraordinary 
activity. This latter feature is, indeed, very generally considered a serious 
objection, inasmuch as too great activity is not conducive to an economical 
production of fat. The sows are noted for their prolificacy, and the 
pigs when dropped are strong and lively. They may be fattened for 
market at any age desired, and when continuously and properly fed attain 
great size and weight. The average live weight of well kept shoats placed 
on the market at nine to twelve months old should be from 240 to 300 
pounds. When mature, a weight of from 500 to 650 pounds is not un- 



BERKSHIRES. 2g7 

common. Berkshire boars when used in crossing — or in grading up 
common stock — transmit with considerable certainty all the valuable 
qualities of their breed. The objections urged against them may be 
summed up as follows : (i) They are too nervous and excitable, re- 
quiring very careful handling to secure best results ; (2) their bone is 
too small, rendering them more liable to mishaps — such as hip-shot and 
broken legs — than are the larger-boned breeds. Where Berkshires are 
carefully handled and properly fed, we know of no better variety, but in 
the hands of the ordinary farmer, where attention is denied or partially 
withheld, they cannot be accorded first, nor in our opinion, even second 
place. 

The illustration, kindly furnished for our use by the Western Agri- 
culturist and Live Stock Jourtial, of Quincy, 111. , is a fair representation 
of the breed. 



Chapter LX. 



POLAND-CHINAS. 

The Poland-China breed is one distinctively American in origin and 
type, originating chiefly in Warren and Butler counties, Ohio, where 
the type was soon fixed by the enterprising breeders of that section. 
It became known as a breed locally under various names — such as the 
"Warren County Hog" and the "Big Spotted" — about 1835 to 1840; 
but the now firmly established name, "Poland-China," was first offi- 
cially adopted by the National Swine Breeders' Convention, held at 
Indianapolis, Ind., in 1872. 

The Big Chinas — large white hogs with sandy spots — were taken 
to Warren county in 1816; the Berkshires were introduced about 1830: 
the Irish Graziers — white hogs with sandy eye-spots — about 1839; and 
the Byfields — which are said to resemble the Chinas in form — about the 
same time. From a judicious blending of these different breeds upon 
a basis of the best "native" hogs, supposed to have descended largely 
• from original Poland stock, brought in by early settlers from Germany, 
we have the present Poland-China breed. 

Improvement of the breed has been largely the result of private in- 
dividual enterprise and skill, Mr. A. C. Moore, now of Canton, 111., and 
Mr. D. M. Magie, of Oxford, Ohio, being especially deserving of notice 
in this connection. So much, indeed, have their labors been appreciated, 
that persistent attempts have been made by respective friends of these 
two gentlemen to name the breed "Moore" or "Magie," instead of 
Poland-China; fortunately, however, the name is too firmly settled to 
admit of change for reasons of a personal nature, and the friends of 
these prominent breeders must be content with simple credit for their 
recognized efficient work. 

DESCRIPTION. 

Color black and white spotted, sometimes black, sometimes white 
predominating; size large, mature hogs weighing from 600 to 750 pounds, 
and shoats at eight or nine months weighing upwards of 250 pounds. 
The nose is medium, face neatly dished, head small in proportion to 
body, with thin, drooping ("lop") ears and full, heavy jowl. The neck 
is short, back straight, shoulders deep, girth large, ribs well arched, 
loins full and wide, hams very heavy and legs short, with good-sized, 
strong bone. In some specimens the hair is decidedly curl}', but in a 

298 



POLAND-CHINAS. 



299 




300 POLAND-CHINAS. 

majority of cases the coat is straight or at most shghtly wavy, covering 

a skin of similar color and medium thickness. 

The following Scale of Points may be used in connection with the 
description given: 

Nose 4 Forward 51 

Head 4 Back 6 

Width between eyes 4 Ribs 9 

Ears 5 Loins 7 

Jowl 3 Hams . . I2 

Neck 4 Hair 4 

Shoulders 9 width o£ body 5 

Girth around heart 9 Legs 6 

Depth o£ body 9 

Forward 51 Perfection 100 

The scale has been subject to a number of changes, but the above, 
we believe, has been more generally accepted than other arrangements 

CHARACTERISTICS. 

The Poland-China has a stronger following among Western farmers 
than has any other breed of swine, and we think justly so; they are 
large, mature reasonably early, and long before maturity may be turned 
into pork at the highest market price. They are uniformly quiet, even 
lazy, and never lose fliesh by reason of excitability. They have strong, 
firm bone, permitting a heavy load of fat, and rendering them less lia- 
ble to mishaps when placed with fattening steers. On the whole the 
Western farmer can hardly find a better hog. 

In the South they have not done so well; reports from central and 
southern Texas indicate that the Poland-China is out of his element when 
taken below the central part of the state, and in this respect, must ad- 
mit the superiority of his red-haired brother, the Duroc-Jersey. Our 
illustration is an accurate picture of a magnificent trio, bred by the well- 
known and thoroughly reliable firm, A. C. Moore & Sons, Canton, 111. 



Chapter LXI. 



DUROC-JERSEYS. 

In the following history of their origin, we are largely indebted to 
ihe report of Col. F. D. Curtis, Vol. I. of the American Duroc-Jersey 
Record, compiled by the able secretary of the Association, Chas. H. 
Holmes, now of Beatrice, Nebraska. 

At the first meeting of the National Swine Breeders' Association at 
Indianapolis, Indiana, 1872, a committee was appointed on "Jersey 
Red Swine," from whose report, as adopted by the convention, we clip 
the following : 

" The positive origin of this family of swine is unknown. They have been bred in 
portions of New Jersey for upwards of 50 years, and with many farmers are considered 
to be a valuable variety. They are of large size, and capable of making a heavy growth, 
500 and 600 pounds weight being common. Mr. David Pettit, Salem, Salem county, 
N. J., has known of these hogs for 30 years, and Mr. D. M. Brown, of Windsor, for 50 
years. They are now extensively bred in the middle and southern portions of New 
Jersey. In neighborhoods they were bred quite uniform, being of a dark red color ; 
while in other sections they were more sandy, and often patched with white. They are 
probably descended from the old importations of Berkshires, as there is no record of the 
Tamworth — the red hog of England — ever having been brought to this country ; nor is it 
likely, as the Tamworths were not considered valuable swine, and were confined to a 
limited breeding." 

The name "Jersey-Red" was first used about 1870 by the late 
Joseph R. Lyman, at that time agricultural editor of the New York 
Tribune ; and a Mr. Lippincott, of New Jersey, was probably the first 
breeder to advertise under the name thus given. 

In the meantime, another strain of red hogs was finding favor in 
New York under the name "Duroc;" they were so called by Isaac 
Frink, a farmer living near Milton, Saratoga county, N. Y. Mr. Frink 
secured a pair of pigs in 1823 from Mr. Kelsey — the then owner of the 
famous stallion Duroc — who stated that the pigs were "imported;" as 
to what was meant by the expression used, we can only infer, but it is 
probable that if "imported" from England, a name would have been 
imported with them; and since Mr. Kelsey called them simply "Red 
Pigs," we are justified in believing them brought from a distance — 
probably Queens county, N. Y. , where Mr. Kelsey formerly resided — 
but not imported from Europe. Mr. Frink could as well have named 
them "Kelsey" as Duroc, but the fame of the horse so overshadowed 

301 



302 DUROC-JERSEYS. 

that of his owner as to doubtless warrant Mr. Frink's choice of a name. 

These two families of swine, under separate names, were undoubt- 
edly of the same origin ; and this, probably, is found in the old red type 
■of Berkshire, as pictured by Low, in his "Domestic Animals of Great 
Britain." 

That the two names represented one hog had been long recognized ; 
and, after several attempts to effect an organization, the Duroc or 
Jersey- Red Swine Club met, in first annual session, at the Grand Pacific 
Hotel, Chicago, November 15, 1883. During this meeting, there were 
some remarks about the propriety of leaving out the word "or" in the 
name of the Club, which finally resulted in changing the name to 
"Duroc-Jersey Swine Breeders' Association," as now known. 

Improvement of the breed has been very great, especially within 
the past decade. The old Jersey Red or Duroc was a coarse, heavy, 
raw-boned, lop-eared and "lank-sided" animal, whose greatest merit 
lay in his growth and feeding qualities ; while his modern brother, as 
will be seen from the next topic, is among the best of economic breeds 
of swine. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color cherry or sandy red, without admixture of other tints ; nose 
■medium to short; face slightly dished, wide between eyes; ears medium, 
drooping, and jowl large, full and well rounded. The neck is short ; 
shoulders broad and deep, bounding a chest of great capacity; back 
■broad, and neatly moulded to long, deep ribs ; hams very heavy, with 
low, full twist ; legs medium in length, with strong, firm bone ; tail well 
up but rather thick ; hair soft, straight and shining — the whole com- 
bined with an action not nervous, but vigorous and sprightly. To 
those who are familiar with the Poland-Chinas, we might briefly state 
that the Duroc-Jersey resembles them very closely in nearly all points 
•except color. In size the Duroc-Jersey ranks among the largest of 
modern breeds, individuals weighing at maturity 400 to 700 pounds, and 
marketing at eight or nine months an average weight of from 175 to 
.250 pounds, dressed. 

They are quiet, ravenous feeders, good grass hogs, and bear forcing 
for market as well as any. 

In the South they have no superior, at least among the large 
breeds, as they never sun-scald, and adapt themselves readily to cli- 
matic conditions under which even the hardy Poland-China will not 
thrive. 

The cross of the Duroc-Jersey on the Essex we regard as of more 
value for pork than the pure bloods of either breed, as the)' combine the 
size and forcing qualities of the former with the remarkable fattening 
powers of the latter in a very happ}' manner. 



DUROC-JERSEYS. 



303 




304 



DUROC-JERSEYS. 



The following Scale of Points for judging Duroc-Jersey swine, to 
be used in connection with description already given, has been formally 
adopted by the Association : 



Color 5 

Head lo 

Ears 5 

Cheeks (Jowl) 5 

Neck 5 

Shoulders 5 

Chest ID 

Back lo 



Forward 55 

Sides 10 

Belly 5 

Hams ID 

Legs 5 

Tail 5 

Hair 5 

Action 5 



Forward 55 Perfection 100 

Our illustration gives an excellent idea of this now popular breed 
of swine. 



Chapter LXII. 



CHESTER-WHITES. 

The breed derives its name from the place of its origin — Chester 
county, Pennsylvania. In 1818, a sea captain — James Jeffries by name 
— brought over from Bedfordshire, England, a pair of superior white 
pigs, showing bluish spots in skin — since known as "Bedford " hogs — 
and placed them on his farm near West Chester, Pa. These pigs and 
their progeny, in connection with the Big Chinas, brought to Delaware 
county. Pa., about the same time, were used by the farmers of Chester 
county, in grading on a foundation stock of large, coarse white hogs — 
probably descendants of the old English Large Yorkshire — supposed to 
have been imported about 181 1, until after many years of careful selection 
and judicious inbreeding the Chester-White breed was brought before the 
American Farmer, and turned over to him for further improvement. 

The modern Chester- White is well known throughout the Eastern 
and many Western states, and has, at one time and another, found a 
place in most of the mixed-bred herds in the Mississippi Valley. The 
writer well remembers the time when a black hog was looked upon with 
more or less disfavor by a great majority of Western farmers ; and the 
Chester was at that time the hog sought for to improve and maintain the 
herd. One of the most prolific and valuable brood sows we have ever 
known was of this breed, a sow that for beauty and utility combined 
would be hard to surpass ; her owner, however, not fancying the white 
color, persisted in using a black boar, and declared that the magnifi- 
cent litters she brought owed their great excellence to the sire. 

Improvement of the Chester has been very constant. Our Western 
farmers are, almost to a man, good judges and good handlers of swine ■ 
and those who have not been carried away during the last fifteen or 
twenty years by the popular tide in favor of black hogs have used their 
abilities to advantage in perfecting the Chester-White breed. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color white — as the name indicates — with hair of medium length, 
mostly straight, neatly parted on the median line, and in the best speci- 
mens, showing a handsome curl or rosette just over the loins. The head 
is of medium length, broad between the eyes ; ears thin, drooping, 
pointing well forward, and showing a decided bend or "lop " near the 
point ; neck short and thick ; jowl large ; body long and deep ; back 

30s 



3o6 



CHESTER-WHITES. 



broad, hams large and rounded ; legs short and squarely placed ; tail 
small, with brush of soft hair, and back and belly lines almost parallel. 
In size, the Chester- Whites rank with the largest, weighing at ma- 
turity 600 or 700 pounds, and marketing at eight or nine months a 
dressed weight of 175 to 250 pounds. They do not claim early matu- 
rity, but no hog can surpass them, in favorable climate, for capacity to 
transform corn into fat pork in shortest time and at least expense. They 
are quiet, even lazy, and make excellent animals to follow steers in the 
feeding pens. The brood sows produce large litters, and are excellent 
mothers, the only objection we have ever heard on this point being that 
they are apt to be cross at pigging time, which is, perhaps, well founded. 
In the South they have no place; the white breeds of swine cannot 
stand the severe summer sun of this latitude without danger of sun-scald, 




CHESTER-WHITE BOAR. 

Property of N. G. Ale.\ander, Delavan, III. 

mange, or other troubles ; and while there are many breeders — and 
partisan ones too — of each of the modern white breeds in the South, 
justice toward all interests demands the above statement. 

The following Scale of Points for judging Chester-White swine has 
been adopted by the National Chester-White Breeders' Association, and 
should be used in connection with the description alread)' given : 

Color 3 

Head ■ 5 

Ears ■ 2 



Jowl 2 

Neck 3 

Brisket 3 

Shoulders 6 

Girth at heart 10 

Back 7 

Ribs 7 

Forward 48 



Forward 48 

Sides 6 

Loin ■ 7 

Belly 4 

Flank ■ 3 

Ham 10 

Tail 2 

Limbs 7 

Coat 3 

Action 5 

Symmetry 5 

Perfection ico 



Chapter LXIII. 



TODD'S IMPROVED CHESTER-WHITES. 

This breed has lately forced itself into recognition among the farm- 
ers of Ohio and other Western states, and we can do no less than 
grant its claim to the title of "breed," since it is already proved by the 
marked similarity of its pure-bred offspring. We are not personally 
familiar with the breed, but give the following account of its origin, and 
a description, based on letters from breeders, and the history as outlined 
by S. H. Todd in Volume I., Record of Todd's Improved Chester-White 
Swine, which appeared in 1885: 




TODD'S IMPROVED CHESTER BOAR, DANDY, 917. 

Owned by C. W. Baker, Delaware, Ohio. 

" Kneeland Todd took a boar of the breed known as ' Norfolk Thin Rind' — black 
belted with white — and a white sow pig of the Connecticut — so-called ' Grass breed, ' to 
Ohio in 1834. Isaac Hoskins had moved to Wakeman, Ohio, from New Bedford, Mass., 
the previous year — 1833 — taking with him at that time, a boar of the ' Byfield' breed — 
large white, rather leggy and slow to mature — and a sow of the ' Auterdale' breed — prob- 
ably identical with the ' Grass breed' above mentioned. These two gentlemen bred care- 
fully and with good judgment, and finally bred the best animals of each herd together. 
At this juncture — 1848 — the twin brother of Kneeland Todd bought a boar from Mr. 
Mead, of Norfolk, Ohio, of what Mr. Mead called the ' Large Grass breed', and this boar 
was used on the Todd-Hoskins stock with great success. About 1862, the same gentleman 
purchased a white boar with fine curly hair, called 'Normandy,' said to be of French 
origin. This proved to be a valuable addition, and the combination animal thus produced 
became quite well known as the 'Todd Hog.' 

" Mr. S. H. Todd — son of the originator of the Todd Hog — in 1867 began crossing 
these animals with pure Chester-Whites, using in all some six or seven crosses, and finally 
producing what is now known as Todd's Improved Chester- White." 

307 



3o8 



TODD S IMPROVED CHESTER-WHITES. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color white, with occasionally bluish spots on skin; hair fine and 
thick; head small; face slightly dished; ears fine, thin and drooping; 
jowl full; neck short and well arched; shoulder heavy; back straight, 
with broad loin; ribs well sprung, dropping to deep sides and low flank; 
hams deep and rounded; tail small, and legs fine boned and straight. 

The following Scale of Points was adopted by the Record Associa- 
tion at the annual meeting, January, 1885; C. W. Baker, Delaware, 
Ohio, is the present secretary: 



Head 7 

Ear 2 

Jowl 4 

Neck 3 

Brisket 3 

Shoulder 6 

Girth around heart 9 

Back 6 

Side 7 

Ribs 6 

Forward 53 



Forward 53 

Loin 7 

Belly ,5 

Flank 3 

Ham 10 

Limbs 6 

Tail 2 

Coat 3 

Color 3 

Symmetry 8 

Perfection 100 




TODD'S IMPROVED CHESTER SOW, SWEEPSTAKES, I4S4. 

Owned by N, H. Tillman, Arcanum, Ohio. 

Our illustrations, both of Chester-Whites and Todd's Improved 
Chesters, can hardly be said to do justice to their respective breeds, but 
will serve to illustrate whatever of difference there may be between them. 
Many, indeed, are of opinion that there should be but one breed of Ches- 
ter-White swine, and maintain that the two breeds here given separate 
chapters will soon be combined under a compromise standard of regis- 
tration. 

Whether such may prove to be the result or not, has no effect on the 
present status of the two breeds; they are given a separate class at fairs 
and exhibitions, and if the combination is not made very soon, there will 
remain small probability of a union at any time. 



Chapter LXIV. 



GOTHLANDS. 

This breed, new in America, originated in Gothland, Sweden, and 
is said to be of remarkably pure descent, improved by care and selec- 
tion, with few, if any, out-crosses. 

The first importation to America was made in 1880 by S. V. 
Anderson, who brought over a few head as an experiment. Since that 
time the)' have found considerable favor — mainly in Iowa and Illinois, 
and a Registry Asssociation was organized in 1888, with Mr. Grant 
W. Spear, of Aurora, 111., secretary. We are indebted to Messrs. 
White & Conover, of Lynnville, Iowa. , for the following detailed 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

' ' They have a medium sized head, rather short nose, small ear, slightly drooping, 
or leaning forward ; broad between ears, and with stout, heavy jaw. Top and under 
lines good ; girth large, length good, loin broad, flank deep, with heavy ham and 
shoulder, ham extremely good ; legs rather short, strong and well set ; hair rather 
fine and very thick ; skin smooth and flexible ; flesh nicely marbled and of excellent 
quality, with small per cent, of shrinkage in dressing. Most of them are spotted 
black and white, but some you will find nearly black, while others are nearly white, ac- 
cording to the fancy of the breeder. If fed mostly on nitrogenous foods they will grow 
to a very large size ; or if early maturity is desired, by good feeding with plenty of corn 
and skimmed milk, they may be brought to maturity much sooner, often weighing 350 
to 400 pounds at one year of age. They are not coarse, but a hog of medium size ; 
neither are they as round and chubby as the Yorkshire, but have a much larger per cent, 
of lean meat and muscle. As to their health, they have proved themselves to be exceed- 
ingly healthy and rugged ; they endure our winters nicely, as they are a native of a cold 
climate. They are a quiet, docile animal, about like the Poland-China, which breed 
they resemble in their general make-up and disposition more than any other of our 
native breeds, but are stronger and more vigorous. They make excellent mothers. 

"They are an excellent hog to ship, having as they do a short, strong leg, 
strong heavy loin, and rather short back. Crippled and broken-down hogs are very 
scarce. They are a good hog to follow cattle, as they are not easily disabled." 

A letter received from Mr. Spear, dated Dec. 22, 1892, states : 

"* * The Gothland Breeding Association has gone out of business, as the 
cost of importing new swine was so much for the value received that the breeding was 
dropped." 

This is unfortunate, and but illustrates the fact that it takes not only 
tiine but money to introduce any new breed, however meritorious, and 
obtain for it established recognition. 

309 



Chapter LXV. 



VICTORIAS. 

[Originated by F. D. Curtis.') 

There are, unfortunately, two distinct and separate breeds of 
swine, each called "Victoria." Col. F. D. Curtis, of Charlton, N. Y. , — 
in whose recent death, May 28, 1891, the world has lost a man of truly 
great worth, not only in his private life, but as a breeder of live stock, 
and also as a constant instructor through the columns of our best agri- 
cultural and live stock periodicals — some twenty-five years ago began a 
system of crossing with several varieties of English swine, in the hope 
of dropping the objectionable characteristics, and combining the good 
points of each in a separate breed. In this he has been successful, so 
far as fixedness of t}'pe is concerned, his breed receiving the follow- 
ing recognition and complimentary notice from the National Swine 
Breeders' Convention, 1872 : 

"The family of pigs known as Victorias originated with Col. Frank D. Curtis, 
Kirby Homestead, Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y. They were made by crossing the By- 
field hog with the native, in which there was a strain of Grazier. Subsequent crosses 
were made with the Yorkshire and Suffolk, the result being a purely white hog of me- 
dium size. The name has no significance, unless it is intended as a compliment to the 
English Queen. These pigs, if pure bred, should all have a direct descent from a sow 
called Queen Victoria, which may be said to be the mother of the family. She was 
pronounced by good judges to be almost perfect, and was the winner of a number of 
first prizes." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

We may best explain their peculiarities by another reference to the 
above report, signed by the chairman of the committee, Chas. E. 
Leland : 

" The color is pure white, with a good coat of soft, fine hair ; the head thin, fine 
and closely set on the shoulders ; the face slightly dishing ; the snout short ; the ears 
erect, small and very light or thin ; the shoulders bulging and deep ; legs short and fine ; 
the back broad, straight and level, and the body long. The hams round and swelling 
and high at the base of the tail, with plates or folds between the thighs ; the tail fine and 
free from wrinkles, or rolls ; feathers or rosettes on the back are common ; the skin is 
thin, soft and elastic ; the flesh fine-grained and firm, with small bone, and thick side 
pork. The pigs easily keep in condition, and can be made ready for slaughter at any 
age." 

And now a word as to the unfortunate naming of these two dis- 
tinctly different breeds. We have no interest in either breed, and shall 

310 



VICTORIAS. 311 

try to give an impartial review of the case from both sides. To this 
end we have placed them under separate headings, distinguishing each 
breed by the name of its originator. Would it not be the part of wis- 
dom — since both parties seem so enamored of the present name — to call 
the breed just described the Curtis Victorias, and the other the Davis 
Victorias, each in honor of its founder ? The breeds are certainly 
different, and must be disassociated in the public mind. We make 
the suggestion in good faith, and earnestly hope that breeders con- 
cerned will accept at least something equivalent. 



Chapter LXVI. 



• VICTORIAS. 

( Originated by George F. Davis. ) 

A new breed produced within the last decade, by a judicious blend- 
ing of the blood of four different breeds — Poland-China, Chester-White, 
Berkshire and American or White Suffolk. Previous to 1882, breeders 
of the Davis Victorias were compelled to show their animals as grades 
at fairs and Fat Stock Shows ; but at the annual meeting of the Illinois 
State Board, in the year mentioned, they were given a class by them- 
selves, and were admitted on an equal footing with other swine, as 
forming a pure and distinct breed. At the Illinois State Fair in 1882, 




DAVIS VICTORIA BOAR, DANDY. 

At seven months: winner of sweepstakes overall breeds shown at the World's Industrial and 
Cotton Exposition, New Orleans, La. ; property of Geo. F. Davis, Dj-er, Ind. 

Mr. G. F. Davis, of Dyer, Ind., the originator of the breed, exhibited 
a small herd in competition with Chester- Whites, winning first and second 
prizes on boars, second on sows under one year old, and in the breeders' 
ring the herd premium of $25 for the best boar and four sows. In 
1885, Mr. Davis exhibited his herd at the World's Industrial and Cotton 
Exposition, New Orleans, La., his seven months old '-Dandj'" (see il- 
lustration) winning the grand sweepstakes over all breeds shown. Why 

312 



VICTORIAS. 313 

Mr. Davis adopted the name "Victoria" we cannot see; possibly he 
was unaware of the existence of the Curtis Victorias, already described. 
Certainly Mr. Curtis has a prior claim to its use, but the point must be 
settled by breeders, and we predict wid be settled to the satisfaction of 
all concerned. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color white; size medium to large, weighing at 10 to 12 months 
300 to 400 pounds ; head small and finely dished, not so short as 
the White Suffolk or Small Yorkshire, with erect or only slightly 
drooping ears, and heavy, firm jowl ; back straight and broad ; shoulders 
deep and square ; hams full and low, and legs short, with fine but firm 
bone. 

The following Scale of Points was adopted by the Victoria Swine 
Breeders' Association, at the Chicago meeting, June, 1887 : 

Color 2 Forward 49 

Head 3 Loin 12 

Ears 2 Flank 2 

Jowl I Ham 12 

Neck ■ 3 Tail 2 

Shoulders 7 Legs 3 

Girth around heart 6 Feet 3 

Back 1 2 Hair . 3 

Sides 6 Action ■ 4 

Ribs 7 Symmetry . . . • 10 

Forward 49 Perfection 100 

Their breeders claim for them an unusual economy in production 
of flesh. The sows produce large litters and are good mothers; the)' 
stand board floors remarkably well, and it is claimed that they are not so 
susceptible to mange, scurf, sun-scald and similar troubles, which have 
made buyers — especially in the South — fight shy of white hogs in 
general. There is ample room for both of the Victoria breeds, and 
we are glad to notice their rapid advancement in public favor wherever 
introduced. 



Chapter LXVII. 



CHESHIRES. 

At our request, Mr. R. D. Button, a leading breeder of Cheshires,. 
Cottons, N. Y., very carefully prepared an outline of history and char- 
acteristics of the breed, and the article so nearly expresses our own 
opinion that, with some minor changes, and with Mr. .Button's permis- 
sion, we publish in full: 

" Jefierson county, N. Y., is without doubt, the birthplace of this breed of swine, 
and to A. C. Clark is universally conceded the honor of having given them a name and 
character. The sires he used were Yorkshires, belonging to that family of English hogs, 
known as the ' Large White' breed. Breeders are not all agreed as to what dams were 
used, many believing that the first dam was a large white sow imported from Cheshire, Eng. , 
to Albany, N. Y. She was taken to Jefferson county by Mr. A. C. Clark, and used as 
the leading factor in making up his herd. Mr. Clark was a breeder with sound judgment 
and good sense, and he early perceived the docility and motherly qualities of this dam 
and her progeny, and by judicious crosses and careful selections he in time produced a herd 
of swine that were uniform in size and characteristics. His herd was shown at many of 
the leading fairs of New York, and nothwithstanding the fierce rivalries of other breeders 
Mr. Clark carried away many of the honors for large white breeds. 

" There are breeders who profess to believe that the imported sow was a myth, and 
assert that Mr. Clark used only the best white sows of his neighborhood, and when he 
found a better sow than his, he bought and used her, if she proved a satisfactory breeder. 
We are, however, of the belief that the Albany sow was a truth and verity, and found 
that belief on repeated statements of Ezra J, Clark (son-in-law of A. C. Clark, and after- 
ward owner of his herd), with whom we were intimately associated for a number of years 
in breeding, selling and exhibiting Cheshire swine. Mr. Ezra J. Clark always main- 
tained that A. C. Clark bought and used the Albany sow as his prime factor, and all re- 
ports of buying and using only native sows had their origin in the fertile brains of rival 
breeders and exhibitors. Between 1850 and 1865 Mr. Clark was a leading breeder and 
exhibitor in New York, and fought both wordy and legal battles for his favorites. Busi- 
ness complications arising, he sold his interest and good-will to Ezra J. Clark, who asso- 
ciated with him Mr. McLean, and afterward Daniel Green, under the firm name Clark & 
Green. In 1870 this firm made an exhibit at the leading western fairs, ending with the 
great St. Louis Fair, where they won the $500 offered by the pork packers for the best 
herd for packers' uses. This breed had been widely disseminated during these exhibitions, 
but the low price for pork during the following years was so discouraging that many sold 
or butchered their stock, and engaged in more remunerative pursuits. The old Clark 
herd was still retained in its purity, although greatly reduced in numbers. 

"About 1875 several parties in Madison Co., N. Y., were engaged in breeding Che- 
shires ; and, with different ideas of what a Cheshire should be, bred for early maturity, 
and a shorter body and head. About 1882 a few of the prominent breeders began to 
talk of forming a register, and in January, 1883, a call was issued for breeders to meet at 
Syracuse, N. Y. But little was accomplished, however, owing to jealousies between 

314 



CHESHIRES. 



315 



different sections and breeders. Several subsequent meetings were held, and by mutual 
concessions, it was agreed to adopt the following 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

"Head short to medium in length, short in proportion to length of body; face 
somewhat dished and wide between the eyes ; ears small, erect, in old animals often 
pointing slightly forwards ; neck short ; shoulders broad and full, hips broad ; body long, 
broad and deep ; hams broad, nearly straight with back, and running well down towards 
hock ; legs small and slim, set well apart, and supporting the body on the toes ; tail 
small and slim ; hair fine, medium in thickness and quantity ; color white, a few blue 
spots in skin not to disqualify, but objectionable. When grown and well fattened, shouli 
dress from 400 to 600 lbs. 




Scale of Points : To be used with description given above : 

Forward 56- 

Hams 10 

Legs lO' 

Tail 5, 

Hair g. 

Color 4 

General appearance 10 



Head 8 

Face 8 

Ears 5 

Neck 5 

Shoulders . . . . ■ 10 

Hips 10 

Body 10 



Forward 56 Perfection 100 

' ' Cheshires are now given a separate class at most of the large fairs, and are regu- 
larly shown at the various exhibitions in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other 
States." 

Another opinion reaches our hands as to the origin of Cheshire 
swine; and coming, as it does, from the pen of Mr. E. W. Davis, of 
Oneida, N. Y., secretary of the Cheshire Swine Breeders' Association, 
we have taken the liberty to make the following extract : 

"The hog known as Cheshire was first bred by A. C. Clark, of Jefferson Co., N. Y. 
He commenced with an imported Large Yorkshire boar, and bred upon the best common 
sows he could find. These common sows were all white, and were grade Suffolk, Small 



3i6 



CHESHIRES. 



Yorkshire, etc. ; selections were carefully made from these, and after a time, another 
Large Yorkshire boar from imported stock was used. There was a story that a sow was 
imported from Cheshire, England, but that is wholly a myth. I have investigated the 
matter carefully, and those who ought to know if there was ever any such an importation 
know nothing of it, and unhesitatingly say, there was never any such importation." 

The above shows plainly a difference of opinion as to the reputed 
"Cheshire" or "Albany" sow. As it is simply a matter of belief with 
both parties — no definite proof being available on either side — we pre- 
fer to give the opinions as we receive them, without further comment 
than to say that both gentlemen are known to be careful, reliable breed- 
ers, thoroughly impressed with the superior merits of their favorite 
swine. In the South, Cheshires are scarcely known at all, and would 
doubtless fall heir to the same troubles which have thrown other white 
breeds into disfavor with Southern farmers. 

The illustrations of Daisy 2nd and Vulcan — which were engraved 
after accurate sketches from life — give a good idea of the appearance of 
the breed. Mr. Davis writes : 

"They are not fancy pictures, but are the work of one of the best artists, and I 
instructed him to reproduce the animals exactly." 




CHESHIRE SOW. 

Property of E. W, Davis, Oneida, N. Y. 



Chapter LXVIII. 



SMALL YORKSHIRES. 

This breed, which is quite well known in the United States, may be 
traced directly to the old York and Cumberland breeds of England;' in- 
deed, it may be well claimed by their breeders that the Small York 
is of line-pure descent. Probably no other breed of modern times, 
save, perhaps, the Essex, is more nearly thoroughbred in fact, or has 
less admixture of other blood. The breed is peculiar to Yorkshire, 
England, and has been known as such for many years. 

Introduction into the United States was first accomplished about 
the year i860 ; but it is only within the last few years that the Small 
Yorks have attracted much attention on this side of the Atlantic. A 
record has been established (Geo. W. Harris, of New York city, is the 
present secretary), and the breed is quite prominently advertised in 
most of our agricultural and live stock publications. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Color pure white, with pinkish skin, occasionally darker spotted 
under the hair ; size small to medium — weighing, when mature, from 
375 to 450 pounds. The body is short, rounded and deep; head short; 
face sharply dished ; jowl and neck heavy; short, fine legs, and thick, 
rounded quarters. They are hardy, and well covered with hair — hence 
not so liable to mange and sun-scald as are many of the white breeds; 
they are quiet, excellent range or grazing hogs, and are remarkably pre- 
potent — the pigs from York boars being uniformly white, and possessing 
the early maturing qualities of the breed in marked degree. In the 
South, the Small Yorks do as well as any of the white breeds, but con- 
not compete with their colored rivals in hardiness. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the American 
Small Yorkshire Club: 



Head 



Trunk . 



f Small 2 1 

i Nose, Shortness of ' ' ' • ■ 5 1 

■; Dish of Face 3 [. 15— Head. 

i Width between the Ears 3 | 

[Ears — Small, thin and Erect 2 J 

Top line straight from Shoulder to Tail 5 ' 

Bottom or Belly line 3 

Length 10 

Depth 5 j. 35— Trunk. 

Width, even from Shoulder to Ham 5 

Breadth of Loin 5 

, Flank, deep and full • ■ . 2 

Forward 50 

317 



3i8 



SMALL YORKSHIRES. 




SMALL YORKSHIRES. 



319 



Hams 



Forward 50 

Length, vertical 10 1 

Breadth, front to rear 5 - 25 — Hams. 

Thickness 10 ) 



Legs. 



Shoulders . . J Breadth, front to rear 3 ( 

j Thicltness 2 ) 

J Short 5 I 

■ ■ j Straight, feet set up 5 ) 

gj^jjj \ Not /oo thin, nor ridgy nor coarse 2 | 

1 Free from eruption and discolored spots 3 f 

Hair -] Full coat and j^«e 5 j- 



5 — Shoulders. 



10 — Legs. 



5 — Skin. 
5 — Hair. 



Perfection . . . ; 100 

Our illustration is a good likeness of the noted prize-winning boar 
Success 2nd, property of W. C. Norton, agent "Ridge Farm Herd,'' 
Aldenville, Pa. 



Chapter LXIX. 



ESSEX. 



This breed takes its name from the county or shire of Essex, Eng- 
land, where it originated. The old Essexshire hog was large, gaunt 
and "slab-sided," with a color varying for each individual animal. 
About 1830 Lord Western imported from Italy a boar and sow of the 
breed of Naples. According to Professor Long, he failed in his 
attempts to breed these black Neapolitans pure, and finally began cross- 
ing on the native breed. From Long's Book of the Pig we quote : 

"The result was highly satisfactory, and the new variety was commonly successful 
at every agricultural show at which they were exhibited." 

Lord Western bred them a number of years, but they at last began 
to lose somewhat their vigorous thrift and hardy constitution. At this 
juncture a tenant of his lordship — Mr. Fisher Hobbes — turned his atten- 
tion to their breeding, still further improved them, fixed the t\'pe, and 
called them the "Improved Essex." 

In America the Essex has become well known, particularly so at 
the South, Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Ga. , being one of the first 
importers, and, with Mr. Harris, of Rochester, N. Y. , steadily pushing 
the Essex breed with ail energy. In a letter to the Author, 1888, 
Col. Peters says : 

"I commenced breeding from the English stock in the year 1S56, and have kept 
them pure, with some of the original blood in their veins, having obtained, with much 
diflSculty, an occasional pure-bred to avoid close in-and-in breeding." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

The modern American-bred Essex is a small to medium-sized hog, 
weighing from 250 to 400 pounds at maturity ; black, or more properly, 
ash-black in color— with fine head, short nose, beautifully dished face, 
erect thin ears, heavy jowl, short neck, close, "chunked" body, and 
short, firm boned legs. They fatten easil}', range well, are not troubled 
with mange or sun-scald, and dress as large a proportion of live weight 
as any known breed. Where the large hogs thrive, and corn is cheap, 
as in the Western United States, we doubt much if the Essex can ever 
compare profitably with the Poland-China or Duroc-Jersey ; but in the 
South, where, unfortunately. Cotton is still King, we have not found his 
equal. We have heard some objections to the Essex because he "gets 
too fat;" we can only suggest, in answer to this, that we beg to be 

320 



ESSEX. 



321 



excused from close acquaintance with a hog that gets too lean ; ten- 
dency to fatten quickly means giving a greater return for food invested. 
In an experiment conducted under the direction of the Author, 1884, it 
was found that it took the following weights of food to produce 100 
pounds of gain — live weight — with representatives of four different 
breeds : 

Essex 285 pounds to produce 100 pounds gain. 

Duroc-Jersey 296 

Poland-China 300 " " " " 

Berkshire 485 " ' ■ " " 

The Duroc-Jerseys were not quite pure-bred, having a strain of 
Poland-China in their veins ; the Berkshires were placed at a disadvan- 
tage by reason of a slight indisposition, so that really they should be 
thrown out of the experiment altogether, but the Essex — thoroughbreds 
— showed the high assimilating power of the breed in a very substantial 
manner. For the Southern farmer, we cannot recommend a better hog 
than the Essex, unless the Duroc-Jerseys shall, as they promise, still 




ESSEX SOW. 

Property of Frank Wilson, Jackson, Mich. 



further improve. An American-Essex Breeders' Association has been 
organized, F. M. Srout, of McLean, 111., secretary, and the following 
Scale of Points has been adopted : 



Color 2 

Head 3 

Ears 2 

Jowl , I 

Neck 3 

Shoulders 7 

Girth around heart 6 

Back 12 

Sides 6 

Ribs 7 



Forward 
21 



49 



Forward 49 

Loin 12 

Flank 2 

Ham 12 

Tail 2 

Legs 3 

Feet 3 

Hair 3 

Symmetry 10 

Action 4 

Perfection 100 



Chapter LXX. 



NEAPOLITANS. 

The Neapolitan, although not bred at present in the United States 
(unless, perhaps, a few may be found in the vicinity of New York), de- 
serves a place among the breeds now known in America, from the fact 
— if for no other reason — of its having taken so important a part in the 
foundation of the Essex breed. The Neapolitan is a native of Italy, 
and is supposed to be descended from eastern stock, brought in by the 
early Italian voyagers. Youatt (Youatt on " The Pig") says of the Nea- 
politans that they are "black, or rather brown, with no bristles, and 
consequently delicate when first introduced into our northern climate." 
They resemble the modern Essex somewhat, but are almost destitute of 
hair, and the head and front parts are lighter and more bony. From the 
report of the National Swine Breeders' Convention, November 20, 1872, 
we clip the following detailed 

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEAPOLITAN. 

' ' Head small, forehead bony and flat ; face slightly dishing ; snout rather long and 
very slender ; ears small, thin, standing forward nearly horizontal, and quite lively ; 
jowl very full ; neck short, broad and heavy above ; trunk long, cylindrical and well- 
ribbed back ; back flat and ribs arching even in low flesh ; belly horizontal on the lower 
line ; hind quarters higher than the fore, but not very much so ; legs very fine, the bones 
and joints being smaller than those of any other breed ; hams and shoulders well devel- 
oped and meaty ; tail fine, curled, flat at the extremity and fringed with hair on each side : 
general color, slatish or bluish-plum color, with cast of coppery red; skin soft and fine, 
nearly free from hair, which, when found upon the sides of the head and behind the fore- 
legs, is black, soft and rather long : flesh firm and elastic to the touch." 

They are considered too delicate for American farmers, and will 
probably never be extensively introduced, unless the breed should un- 
dergo an almost complete transformation. 



322 



Chapter LXXI, 



ENGLISH, OR BLACK SUFFOLK. 

In America, there is such a common impression that the Suffolk is 
a white hog, that it is necessary to treat of the two breeds under differ- 
ent heads. We have never seen a specimen of the pure Black Suffolk, 
but we give a description based upon that given by the best English au- 
thors of modern times. The origin of the breed is at best doubtful; 
probably the Neapolitans formed much of the basis of modern Suffolk 
excellence, and indeed some are of opinion that the Essex, Black Dor- 
■ set and Black Suffolk are merely different strains of the same breed. 
According to descriptions and portraits, it would seem that the Dorset 
very closely resembles the Essex, but not so with the Black Suffolk, as 
will be seen from the following 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

The head is short ; snout turned up, not quite so much as in the 
Small Yorks, but yet showing much of similarity to that well-known breed. 
The body is deep, with well-sprung ribs dropping to flattened sides, and 
short, small-boned legs from bulging quarters. Their characteristics 
may be summed up as follows: Early maturity, medium size, great ap- 
titude to fatten, high dressing qualities, and a black color which with- 
stands the effects of summer heat. 

We are not aware that any of the Black or English Suffolks are 
bred in the United States. The breed might find some favor here, but 
their white namesakes have become so well known and so widely dissem- 
inated, that it would be well nigh impossible at this late day to change 
the nomenclature of the breed. 



323 



Chapter LXXII. 



AMERICAN, OR WHITE SUFFOLK. 

This is an undoubted descendant of the English York and Cumber- 
land breeds, resembling the Small Yorkshire of to-day so closely in all 
points except size — Suffolks being somewhat larger — as to preclude any 
necessity for futher description. Many writers class the Suffolk and 
Cheshire together as representatives of the "Middle White" breed of 
England. We believe, however, that Professor Long, in his '-Book of 
the Pig," comes nearer the truth, when he states that the Suffolk as a 
white hog is only recognized in America, whereas in England — its sup- 
posed home — it has been absorbed into what he calls the "English 
Small White Breed," of which the Small Yorkshire is the representative 
in America. 

If we were to state any point of difference, other than noted above, 
between Suffolks and Small Yorks, it would be to compare faces. 
Yorkshire breeders have shortened-in the face, and made a trifle 
sharper "dish" than is the case with the Suffolk. The latter is about 
the best type of the old Chinese hog that we now have, and displays 
such a tendency to extreme fat — "chuffiness " as to amount, with many, 
to a decided objection. From the report of the National Swine Breed- 
ers' Convention, 1872, we quote the following detailed 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN SUFFOLK. 

"Head small, very short; cheeks prominent and full; face dished; snout small 
and very short ; jowl fine ; ears short, small, thin, upright, soft and silky ; neck very 
short and thick, the head appearing almost as if set on front of shoulders, no arching of 
crest ; chest viide and deep — elbows standing out ; brisket wide but not deep ; shoulders 
thick, rather upright, rounding outwards from top to elbow ; crops wide and full ; long 
ribs, well arched out from back ; good length between shoulders and hams ; flank well 
filled out, and coming well down at ham; back broad, level, straight from crest to tail, 
not falling off or down at tail ; hams wide and full, well rounded out, twist very wide and 
full all the way down ; legs small and very short, standing wide apart — in sows, just 
keeping belly from the ground ; bone fine, feet small, hoofs rather spreading ; tail small, 
long and tapering ; skin thin, of a pinkish shade, free from color; hair fine and silky, 
not too thick ; color of hair pale yellowish white, perfectly free from any spots or other 
color; size, small to medium." 



324 



Chapter LXXIII. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGE- 
MENT OF SWINE. 

The breeding and handling of swine is something of far more im- 
portance than is generally supposed by a great majority of our farm- 
ers — those who should be, really, best informed on the subject. The 
amount of pork that is consumed yearly in the United States is enor- 
mous, and gives something of an idea of the magnitude of the swine in- 
dustry. Many seem to think that the breeding of swine requires only 
a little of the skill and foresight which is recognized as being of prime 
necessity in the handling of any of the other races of domestic animals ; 
but to such as have tried it we need not say the idea is a mistaken one. 
True it is, that not so much of close attention and tender petting and 
care to keep them from the rugged blasts of winter, and the fierce, 
scalding heat of summer, is always given ; but it may be stated as an 
axiom, that good care pays as well with hogs as it does with other races 
of live stock. There is something fascinating about the feeding and 
handing of a yard full of swine — a sort of pleasurable excitement in day 
by day watching their growth, and noting their greedy appetites. 
Someway, the farmer always feels that an animal is gaining when it 
eats, and a hog that won't eat is not the one that makes the profit for 
his owner. 

We may state it as an indisputable fact that no other animal sus- 
tains such a close relation to the farmer's profit and loss account as 
does the hog, and the reason is obvious ; there is always more or less 
waste — generally more — about a farm-house, that cannot be utilized in 
any other way than by feeding it to hogs. It matters not how careful 
the farmer's wife may be, she cannot prevent this constant waste from 
the table, and the pig-pen is the natural and legitimate avenue through 
which it can be turned to account. Every gallon of house-slop has a 
certain definite value, and, although it is impossible to rate its worth in 
dollars and cents, on account of the fact that there is great difference in 
richness of the portions thrown from different tables, yet we may say, in 
a general way, that every four to seven gallons of such waste is equivalent 
to one pound of pork when properly fed in connection with grain or other 
food stuffs. 

Perhaps the most common mistake made by the average farmer, is 
to adopt one of two extremes — either feed entirely on dry corn, all the 

325 



326 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

animals will eat, or allow them to range freely on what is supposed ta 
be good grass, and expect them to grow fat and contented without other 
food. In the first place, no hog can stand full feeding on dry corn 
alone for many weeks in succession ; he may not become diseased, so 
far as appearance and action are concerned, but the fevered condition 
due to feeding corn exclusively is sure to be there, and only time is re- 
quired to bring it out. Do not think that we would underrate the value 
of corn in fattening hogs — we are too well aware of its importance in 
swine feeding to make any statements that are not pretty strongly based 
on a good foundation — but we do question whether, as generally fed, 
there is not more loss than gain in its use. It is a mistake to suppose 
that when corn is cheap it can be fed at a profit, regardless of other 
conditions ; the hog demands a variety, and will not give greatest 
return for time and food invested, unless this variety is given. More 
than this, the hog requires bulky food, not highly concentrated, and 
to provide this, something besides corn is necessary. 

Concerning the second practice, we may say : In a large section of 
the country hogs are allowed to range on grass, and are fed corn to 
'■harden the flesh," and prepare the animal for market ; such treatment 
is little better than the other extreme, for it is no longer a disputed 
point, that hogs full-fed on proper diet will make a much greater rela- 
tive return for food consumed than if the same food is given, but in 
smaller quantity. We cannot protest too strongly against the custom 
of allowing hogs to run wild the first year (stock-hogs), and feeding 
heavily for a short time just before placing on the market ; it is a waste 
in two directions : (i) loss of time, and consequent loss of interest on 
investment ; and (2) a very great loss by reason of the constant exertion 
required to secure whatever sustenance the)' may from the grass at their 
command ; all exertion is work, and all work has a natural tendency to 
decrease the production of fat. It is urged in favor of this system that 
while the hog is running at large he is growing, and that if fed for early 
market, this growth will be lost. Those who argue on this line forget 
that the object in raising stock of any kind is to realize the greatest 
profit in the shortest possible space of time. There is only one reason 
(perhaps two) that should cause a farmer to carry over a stock of hogs 
to fatten the succeeding winter, and that is, market ; we have always 
been of opinion that farmers are primarily to blame for the low prices 
at which their pork is sold. If they would get out of the old ruts and 
pay off their debts in some other way than by sacrificing a crop at the 
lowest point of the market to do it, they would soon be in condition to 
bid defiance to the periodical depressions that affect the market. Every 
farmer should study the market as closely as he studies the weather, and 
when there is good promise of better prices in the future, it may be prof- 
itable to hold. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 327 

Another thing which is in favor of early and high feeding, is the 
fact that buyers pay more per pound for shoats — say eight to ten months 
old, and this class of hogs is always in demand when old and "short- 
fed " hogs can hardly be sold at any price. To the practice of growing 
and selling the hog crop between tax dates — defrauding Uncle Sam out 
of his dues — we cannot forbear calling attention. The plan may be of 
doubtful propriety, but so long as taxes are rendered at a certain date 
each year, the farmer can avoid taxes on his entire fat hog crop as 
legitimately as can the banker by collecting all the greenbacks possible 
to have on hand the first day of January. The sows are bred about the 
middle to the last of September of each year, bringing their litters about 
the middle to the last of January following, and the pigs are fattened 
and sold at an age — anywhere from eight to eleven months, and out of 
the way before the next annual date for the rendition of taxes. It may 
shock some of the literal upholders of law to know that many farmers 
are actually doing this very thing, but such is the fact ; the hog is to the 
farmer what the greenback is to the money lender, and who shall dispute 
his equal right to use him in an equally legitimate way. 

While speaking of the proper food for hogs, we may notice some 
very interesting experiments that have been carried on — first by Pro- 
fessor Sanborn, of Missouri, and afterward by Professor Henry, of Wis- 
consin — regarding the relative effects of fat and carbhydrates as com- 
pared with albuminoids in the production of flesh and fat in the body. Ac- 
cording to these experiments, and they are certainly accurate, it is found 
that a diet made up largely of protein (albuminoids) causes a very much 
larger proportion of lean meat : while a diet composed mainly of the 
starchy elements (carbhydrates) and fat, gives a very large proportion 
of fat, which is scattered through the body in bunches. To sum up, in 
the words of Professor Henry, the experiments show that when there is 
an excessive proportion of carbhydrates in the food, or a corresponding 
deficiency of protein : 

' '1st. That there is an excessive development of fat not only on the outside of the 
muscles and beneath the skin, but also among the muscles. 

"2nd. That the muscles of the body fail to develop to their normal size, especially 
some of the most important ones, as those along the back. 

"3d. That an abnormally small amount of hair and thin skin results. 

"4th. That while the brain, heart and lungs do not seem to gain in weight, the 
spleen, liver and kidneys are unusually small. 

" 5th. The amount of blood in the body is greatly reduced from the normal. 

"6th. The strength of the bones may be reduced one-half" 

The practical value of these results to the farmer has been dis- 
puted, but they certainly teach a very important scientific truth. The 
farmer wants to know the exact ration that will give the greatest gain in 
live weight — be it muscle or fat — in proportion to food consumed, al- 
ways keeping the animal in healthy condition ; and it may be noted 



328 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

that, until buyers can be educated up to the point of appreciating the 
superior value of lean pork over fat, it will hardly pay to put any extra 
expense into hog feeding to obtain this large proportion of lean meat. 
The health of the animal is of prime importance, and we may be par- 
doned for saying that herein lies the great value to the farmer of the 
lesson drawn from Professor Henry's experiments. It is a fact, as stated 
above, that corn is not a good food-stuff for exclusive feeding, and the 
experiments by the Professor seem to show the reason. Corn is defi- 
cient in protein, and is not, therefore, a good food, unless supplemented 
by something richer in this element. The remarks by Mr. T. G. Terry, 
before the Indiana Swine Breeders' Association, Indianapolis, Ind., 
January, 1888, illustrate very aptly the exact place filled by the results 
of these experiments, and we quote his statements in full as reported in 
Xhe Breeders' Gazette of February ist, 1888: 

"I have made a good many experiments in feeding, commencing back in 1869, and 
have tried different plans, and last fall I made the most successful experiment in feeding 
for lean for my own pork. When I killed one of the pigs (a cross-bred Cheshire- Poland- 
China), it happened to be just the time Professor Henry's experiments were published, 
and I will say that taking the center cut of the ham it did not have fat enough to fry it. 
The pig was six months old, and dressed 135 lbs. I fed it on oats, bran and shorts, and 
nothing else (no milk), and the verdict of those who ate the pork was that it was the 
nicest and juiciest ever put into their mouths. I am feeding all my pigs intended for 
family pork in that way. It may cost more, but for our own eating we can agord it." 

This last statement contains the milk of the cocoanut. It may cost 
more, undoubtedly does cost more, to feed protein than to feed starch ; 
the thinking, reasoning farmer will, .therefore, feed just such propor- 
tion of this valuable ingredient as will bring highest returns in gross 
weight, and no more — since the buyer will pay no more for lean meat 
than for fat ; but when it comes to feeding for the home barrel, we can 
afford to put a little extra expense into the feed in order to produce an 
extra amount of that richest of all meats, lean pork. 

We had no idea of writing an essay on the feeding of swine. The 
reader can obtain more valuable information from the statements of 
actual methods pursued by such men as are represented in the letters 
given below, and we must beg pardon for thus wandering so far from 
our intention in the preceding discussion. We may, however, state 
briefly a few points, as an aid in the selection of breeding stock, and 
trust the reader will find something of interest, if not of profit, in their 
perusal. 

The boar is by all odds the most important, if not the largest, half 
of the herd, and his selection should be made with the greatest care. 
We do not propose to give any advice as to breed from which he should 
be selected ; there are a good many breeds, and from the preceding 
chapters under Part Fourth, the reader may obtain that which will aid 
in choosing a breed best suiting his own peculiar conditions. But it may 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 329 

be Stated, that a boar should combine the best of the dominant charac- 
teristics of the breed to which he belongs. He should be close, com- 
pact, shorter than the model, rather than longer, and should be 
sprightly, active and vigorous — even bold — in appearance. If breeding 
to secure any particular result, the boar should be selected with refer- 
ence to the particular characteristics desired ; if breeding to sows too 
long and straight in the face — a very common fault — he should have an 
unusually short and sharply dished face ; if bred to sows inclined to be 
peaked and narrow across the back, he should have especial width and 
fullness in these parts ; if mated with sows that are inclined to lay on 
fat in bunches, he should be selected from a strain or breed that is 
noted for interlarding its fat and lean ; in brief, select the boar with ref- 
erence, always, to correcting whatever evils may exist in your herd, 
and you will obtain satisfactory results. 

The sow is selected with a view to modifying the impress of the 
male on their combined offspring. She controls almost entirely the num- 
ber of pigs in a litter, and exercises a very important influence on their 
strength and stamina at the time they are ushered into the world. The 
sow should always be selected from a family noted for its prolificacy ; it 
is a well known fact that the quality of bearing either large or small litters 
is one which runs in families, and when a sow is selected for profitable 
breeding she should, by all means, be taken from one of these large 
bearing strains. The sow should be almost the opposite of the boar in 
many ways — instead of being short and close-coupled, she should be 
long and rangy in her make up, especially wide and deep at the pelvis, 
and with at least twelve well developed, prominent nipples. As a rule, 
better pigs, larger litters and greater profits will be obtained from sows 
fully matured in all respects. Those who practice breeding young sows 
— turning them off for the market after one, or at most two litters — -can- 
not compete with equally skillful breeders who breed only from matured 
sows. The sow should not be selected before she has reached an age of 
at least four or five months ; about this time changes occur which might 
lead to quite a different choice from selections made when the pigs were 
only a few weeks old. Health and constitution are two prime factors in 
profitable pork raising, and to secure these, both sow and boar must 
have a large girth back of the fore legs, and be deep and wide in the 
chest. Clean skin ; thin, soft, glossy hair; fine, delicate ears ; short, 
neatly-dished face ; short neck, and fine-boned, trimly made legs, are 
sure indications, in either boar or sow, that the animal will be an easy 
keeper ; while the reverse — long head, straight nose, and narrow or flat- 
sided body-^almost always denote a large appetite, and not always an 
equivalent return. A mean between these two types will usually be 
found more profitable, and there are many breeds now known that fill 
this middle ground to perfection. 



330 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

In the following letters will be found a good many solid facts. 
"Nothing succeeds like success," and the breeders who have thus given 
us the benefit of their experience are all men who have made a success 
of the business of raising hogs. We advise a careful perusal. 

Berkshire!. 

Haw Hill, Springfield, III., August lo, iSSS. 
» * * * 

' ' Whether pigs are to be reared and sold for breeding purposes, or to be grown and 
fattened for market, our general rule is to breed the sows as nearly as practicable during 
the second week in November ; the pigs will then come about the ist of March following. 

" In this latitude, with the breed we handle, nine months is long enough to allow 
for the growing and fattening of a hog ; this brings the fattened hogs into market about 
the first of December. The first of March is also a good time to have pigs come that are 
to be reared and sold as breeders. Both they and those intended for pork have the sum- 
mer on grass. All are thus more cheaply raised, are more healthy, make better pork 
product and better breeding stock. We prefer a good boar from two to five years of age, 
to one only eight to twelve months old, though the latter may give every promise of mak- 
ing a very superior animal when fully matured. A young boar, however, from an early 
spring litter, if properly taken care of through the summer, may be used with full-grown 
sows in November, or better, a month later. The pigs will hardly be inferior in size and 
vigor to those sired by an older boar, particularly if the sows bred to the old boar were 
young or not well matured. In fact, we keep two boars all the time, often three, and 
when we get one that is particularly to our liking we use him year after year, though not, 
except rarely, on his own get. At the time the boars are to be used in the fall, we wish 
them to be in good, healthy condition — the young boar growing, and the old one laying 
on flesh as fast as his restricted allowance of feed will permit, for he should not be fed 
all the rich food he can eat, like a fattening hog, nor as much as a young and growing 
boar. After he has commenced service he is fed more liberally, depending upon the 
amount of service required of him ; and so also with the young boar — his rations are 
increased, though only as needed to keep him in a good, vigorous condition. 

' ' The condition of the sows at the time they are served is also a matter of impor- 
tance. Having summered on grass, and being only moderately fat, they are taken up in 
October and put on a diet of more or less grain, depending on the weather. They take, 
as it were, a new start in growth if young, or in laying on flesh if old. When they do 
this, and come in season, it is the right time to breed them. They are more certain to 
hold if served at this time than later, or after they become fat. One good service is all 
that is needed. The sow is placed in a pen or yard by herself until fully over her heat. 
She is then put with others that have been bred. It is best not to keep more than four 
or five in the same yard ; two or three only would be still better, though it is more trouble 
to have so many small lots to feed, and more expensive making so many shelters. Some 
regard is also had to dividing them according to size. 

" The time of service is noted down, and time when due to farrow — counting sixteen 
weeks from date of service— is also noted. From the iSth to the 21st day the sow is 
noticed carefully, to see if she comes in heat again. If she does she is served, and the 
new date recorded. About the middle of February, or two weeks before the pigs are due, 
each sow is put in a comfortable pen by herself, and well bedded. Here she is gentled 
by the feeder, to whom she soon becomes accustomed. Her feed during this time is such 
as will tend to keep the bowels open. Much use of dry corn is avoided. When she makes 
her bed, preparatory to farrowing, care is taken that she does not have too much straw or 
litter to work with. Better have a warm or well-sheltered pen and less bedding for there is 
much danger of the pigs being over-laid when the bedding is too plentiful or coarse. The pigs 
usually come strong, and soon find their way to the teats. If they are weak and helpless. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 33 1 

it seems hardly worth while spending time with them. Halt of a litter may thus be lost, 
and sometimes all, but if any survive they are apt to do better and make us more money, 
considering time and trouble saved, than to have saved all. We are inclined to think the 
career of the runt pig, as a runt, begins before it is born, and comes from not being as 
well nourished as his fellows before entering life on his own account. The early backset 
thus given a pig may doubtless be overcome, in a measure at least, by special care and 
liberal feeding afterwards. In cases of scarcity of stock the extra attention given runt 
pigs, or those weakly at birth, may be made to pay well. 

"After the pigs are farrowed, the sow is given all the warm drink she will take. 
This is made by scalding wheat bran and ship stuff with hot water, and then adding cold 
water and skimmed milk, if the latter is at hand, until reduced to the right temperature. 
If given her cold at this time of year, she will go to her bed chilled and uncomfortable, 
but if warm and palatable she will lie down and be quiet, while the little pigs will suck, 
sleep and grow strong. It is surprising how fast a few good fillings with milk and a few 
good sleeps will send them along. 

" The feed of the sow is but little increased during the first week or ten days. By 
the time the pigs are three or four weeks old, if they have done well, they will have be- 
come a real burden to the sow, and she will begin to fall off in flesh rapidly unless in the 
meantime her rations have been gradually increased in richness as well as in quantity. 
When four weeks old the young pigs are offered feed in a trough by themselves, where it 
cannot be reached by the sow. They soon learn to eat, and with this help they grow still 
faster. When they are eight or ten weeks old the sow is taken from them, or they from the 
sow, as is most convenient at the time. Before weaning, however, they are all carefully 
marked, and the marks recorded, so that the parentage of each may always be known. 
About two weeks before weaning the males that are intended for pork -making are cas- 
trated. In case any of these are not fully recovered or doing well, they are left with the 
sow a few days or a week longer than the others. 

' ' A few weeks after weaning, all the young boars that are to be sold for breeding 
purposes are separated from the others, and placed out of sight, as well as they can be, 
of other pigs or hogs. They are kept until sold on grass so far as practicable, in the 
orchard or small pasture, and fed on almost anything that happens to be available, only 
they are given very little corn. We prefer oats, rye, vegetables, purslane and wind-fallen 
apples. When we buy feed, it is usually wheat bran, ship stuff and oil meal [linseed] 
for making into swill with skimmed milk. 

" The sow pigs are kept and fed in much the same way, as are also the barrows and 
all intended for fattening for pork, except that these last are put on more of a corn diet 
early in the fall. As soon as new corn is large enough, some is cut each day and thrown 
to the pigs, stalk and ear together, on the ground, while they are still in the pastures. 
Later, the feeding stock is separated from the breeding stock. We try to keep the latter 
in good growing condition during summer and fall, but from the ist of September to the 
ist of December the others are fed with a view to fattening as well as making growth. 
We aim to have them weigh from 225 to 250 pounds at nine months old, and to have them 
sold before winter sets in. The most of the breeders are also sold by this time, though 
some of the young sows are always reserved to be bred in the fall and then sold during 
the winter as sows due to farrow in the spring. 

" In this hurried recital of our methods, little has been said of the kinds and quan- 
tities of feed given, simply because what can and should be used in our climate or locality 
cannot perhaps be had in another. The pig is as omnivorous a feeder as is man, and can 
abont as readily adapt himself to the circumstances of feed and surroundings as can his 
keeper. For similar reasons nothing has been said of the construction of pens and shel- 
ters. Here hogs do well with open sheds facing the south. With a good and dry floor, 
thereby insuring to the hog a dry bed, he will not suffer much in winter if reasonably well 



332 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEiMENT OF SWINE. 

fed. If warmer quarters are provided, less feed may be required ; but it is hard to draw 
the line between, or explain in a few words, the dangers or risks of warm and poorly 
ventilated hog-houses, as compared with the advantages and safety of less expensive and 
more airy quarters. PHIL THRIFTON." 

The writer of the above needs no introduction to the reading public. 
The "Haw Hill" breeder is a Berkshire man all over, and one who has 
done much to advance the breed in popular favor. His methods are 
clearly outlined, and will furnish an excellent guide for breeders of any 
class of swine. 

Diiroc-Jirseys. 

PiNEwooD, Tenn., August 6, 1888. 
* * * * 

' ' We couple our sows early in November, which brings the farrowing time to the 
latter part of February or first of March. Pigs farrowed at this time will be ten weeks 
old by the middle of May, at which age they will have been weaned and ready for ship- 
ment, enabling us to get them ofi to their new homes before the hot weather of spring 
comes on. If bred for pork, we prefer that the farrowing should be a couple of weeks 
later, as the grass will by that time be a little farther advanced, thus enabling the sows to 
suckle better. After the sows are bred we separate them from the herd, and keep them 
in lots or pastures in which there is plenty of good water. We feed them so as to keep 
in thrifty condition, using the best variety of food that we can command. We usually 
feed corn, oats and cut sorghum. Sorghum we value very highly ; it supplies the place 
of grass, as it is very sweet and juicy, and tends to keep the sows from becoming feverish, 
as they frequently do if fed on dry food all the time. We keep the vermin off by greasing 
the sows with any waste grease, in which we put a little coal oil. We keep within their 
reach a mixture of 

Wood ashes i bushel. 

Charcoal i bushel. 

Salt Yz bushel. 

Sulphur 5 pounds. 

" A couple of weeks before farrowing time we remove the sow to a lot in which is a 
movable house 8 x 10, open on one side, which faces the south, the roof sloping toward the 
north. Into this house we throw a lot of hay out of which the sow makes her bed. The 
sow should be noticed a week before farrowing, and if her bowels are not open she should 
be fed warm bran slops, which will generally open her bowels and prevent that feverish 
condition that is so often seen at farrowing time, and which causes so many sows to eat 
their pigs, or kill them by being restless, and lying on them. At farrowing time it is best 
to leave the sow to herself, as frequently sows are excited by the presence of some well- 
wisher, and in their efforts to drive oS the intruder, kill the little pigs. After the far- 
rowing is all over, and while the sow is quiet, remove any dead pigs and the afterbirth, 
as sometimes sows are caused to kill and eat their pigs by getting a taste of those that 
may be left dead in the bed. For the first day or so warm bran slops will be sufficient 
food to give her, after which the feed may be gradually increased until the pigs are two 
weeks old, by which time she should have all she will eat of as great a variety of feed as 
can be given her. When the pigs are a little over two weeks old they will begin to eat a 
little slop, which should be given them in troughs about three inches deep ; warm kitchen 
slops will be most acceptable to them, after which cornraeal, made into a thin mush and 
well cooked, is much relished by them. At a month old we give them meal raw, mixed 
in kitchen slops or cold water, in which a little salt is put ; we sometimes give corn soaked 
in water for 24 hours, again dry corn, changing the feed to keep the appetite sharp. Care 
has to be exercised in feeding, as sometimes heavy feeding causes indigestion and scours, 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 333 

which sets the pigs back several weeks, if it does not kill them. At the age of 10 weeks 
the pigs are weaned and such as are suitable we ship or reserve for breeders ; the others 
we castrate and spay, and place with the herd that is being handled for pork. Some- 
times the pigs when a few days old are troubled by their tails and ears becoming sore. 
If not attended to promptly the tails frequently come off near the body. At the first 
appearance of the sores we wash the tails and ears with castile soap and anoint them with 
lard, in which a little carbolic acid and sulphur have been incorporated. Occasionally 
sows are observed to lie on their bellies and refuse to let the pigs suck ; this is because 
the pigs bite the teats with their sharp, briery tusks ; remove them with a pair of nippers, 
and the trouble will be removed and the pigs will be none the worse for the operation. 
Whether pigs are being bred for breeders or for pork the sows should be kept separate 
from the pork hogs, nor should many sows be allowed to carry their pigs in the same lot, 
for the reason that the oldest and strongest pigs will whip the smaller ones and appro- 
priate their share of the milk as well as their own. Pigs that are destined to be killed for 
pork we place in the clover fields, and give them daily a feed of dry corn to keep them 
gentle and to push them forward. Pigs farrowed in March should, if properly handled, 
average 200 to 250 pounds by the middle of November. Those that come later are car- 
ried through the winter and killed the following winter or fattened and sold in June. 

"S. L. GRAHAM & SON." 

The Messrs. Graham have our thanks for their methods in detail. 
The antiseptic mixture (wood ashes, charcoal, salt and sulphur) which 
they use is of much more importance than many suppose; hogs fed 
liberally on green stuff, and given free access to simple preventives of 
this kind, are the last ones to succumb to attacks of cholera and other 
dread diseases to which the hog tribe is subject. The plan of changing 
food at frequent intervals, to keep the appetite sharp, should be empha- 
sized ; too many expect a hog to thrive on one particular kind of diet, 
and think all that is necessary is to give them plenty of it. 

Small Yorkshires and Berkshires. 

"Bermuda Park Place, Griswoldville, Ga., Aug. 14, 1888. 
* * * * 

" We have had some experience both at the North and in the South in breeding, and 
find that this section— Middle Georgia — offers the same advantages for hog raising that is 
found at the North. It is true that some kinds of feed, such as corn, are more expensive, 
but as a compensation, so much is not needed. The pastures or fields furnish more or 
less sustenance at all seasons of the year, and are peculiarly rich in the fall, just before 
the fattening season ; this lightens the expense of corn feeding. 

"We have made a specialty of Berkshires and Small Yorkshires. Other breeds 
would doubtless do as well. In the Berkshire, we have size and weight; in the Yorkshire 
a compact form and quick growth. They make a good cross for fattening purposes. We 
keep such numbers only as the farm will support. We have the sour milk from a dairy, 
and can manage five hogs and pigs to each cow in milk. This gives us the coarse slops 
for the larger hogs, and pure milk for the pigs, which are fed separately. We feed little 
grain in the summer, only enough to keep the stock growing. 

"We breed for two purposes — for sale as breeders and for use on the plantation. 
We do not breed or dress for the shows. We have registered hogs that will go into the 
tub this winter. It is cheaper and easier to raise and fatten a thoroughbred Yorkshire 
than any grade known to us. In order to secure health we have the hog lots on a hill 
side, with pens and sheds at the upper end, and an abundance of pure spring water at 



334 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

>the other. We never pen our hogs except for fattening. We never clean them except 
to wash pigs infected with scab or some skin disease. Hogs clean themselves in the 
-wallow as chickens do in the dust. It is safe to keep 50 or 100 hogs and pigs together, 
but beyond that remember the danger of disease is increased. The males are changed 
-every year or two. A good plan is for neighbors to exchange males frequently, thus in- 
suring both health and vigor. N. G. BUFF." 

Mr. Buff is a breeder who has had success with white hogs in the 
'South, but he is located in a section that will compare favorably — as he 
-says — with more northern localities in this respect. In other and less 
iavored spots — as to water, pasture and elevation — the reports are 
pretty uniformly against white hogs in general, unless handled with 
great care. 



index:, 



Illustrations In Bold Faced Type. 



Quotatt07is 171 Itatics. 



Abbess (Polled Durham cow) 203 

Abdallah 66, 70 

Aberdeen-Angus . . 196-200 

Acme (Am. Holderness bull) 145 

Adelaide (Am. Holderness cow) . . . 147 
Advanced Register, Conditions for ad- 
mission to 118, 120 

Albany sow 314, 316 

Alderney 125 

Alexander's Abdallahs, The 66,70 

Alhambra 62 

Allen, Le-cuis F. ij$, ij6, lyo, 220 

Allerton 72, 73, 74, 108 

Almanzor 48 

Almonts, The 66 

American Eclipse 48-49 

American Holderness 144-147 

American Merinos 238-254 

American Saddle Horses 58-60 

American Star 62, 68, 71, 106 

American (or White) Suffolk .... ... 324 

American Thoroughbred, Origin of. .47-48 

American Trottei', The 80, 82 

American Trotters 6i-8g 

Andrew Jackson 66 

-Anglesea Cattle 180 

Anna (German Coach mare) 43 

Ansel 108 

Ap Guilm (North Wales Black 

bull) 181 

-Aquierre Family of Merinos 240, 244 

Arion 79 

.Atwood Merinos 241-243 

AtTJUOod Register 241-242 

.Atwood, Stephen, Certificate of. . .241, 242 

Auterdale Breed (Swine) 307 

.Axtell 73. 74 

Ayrshire Group 137 

Ayrshires 1 35-1 39 



PAGE 

Baldstockings, The 66 

Banquet 56 

Bard, The (American Thorough- 
bred) 50, 51, 52, 54 

Baron (Hampshire ram) 268 . 

Baron Valiant (Aberdeen-Angus 

bull) 197 

Bars First 90 

Bartlett's Childers 48 

Sarnum, P. T., 140 

Bashaws, The 64, 66 

Beautiful Bay 64 

Bedford Swine 305 

Beef Breeds 115 

Beef, Selection for 225 

Belgian Draft ig-21 

Belle Hamlin 70 

Belle Vara 77 

Bellfounder, Imported 62, 66, 71 

Berkshire Group 295 

Berkshires 294-299 

Betsy Malone . . 54 

Betsy Trotwood 68 

Bicycle Sulky 63, 80 

Big Chinas (Swine) 298 

Big Spotted (Swine) 298 

Billy Boyce loi 

Bishop's Hambletonian 68 

Bisson's Belle, Butter Record of. ..128, 129 

Black Faced Heath Breed (Sheep) 257 

Blackhawks, The 66 

Black Suffolk 323 

Black-Top Ewes 251 

Black-Top Merinos 249-251 

Black- Tof Register 250 

Blaze 48, 61 

Blue Bull 66, 82 

Blue Bulls, The 66 

Blue Ribbon of the Ttirf (Curzon) 50 



335 



336 



INDEX. 



Blue Sign 80 

Boars, Care of 328, 329 

Bolingbroke 158 

Bond's First Consul 64 

Bonner, Robert 7/ 

Bos gaurus 211 

Bos Indicus 210 

Bos Primigenius 184 

Bos taurus 210 

Boulonnais ig 

fiozL'man, J. H. &• IV. R., Methods of 112 

Brahmin Cattle 210,214 

Bi-ahinin Group 213 

Breaking Colts no, 112, 113 

Brienz, Butter record o£ 150 

Brinker's Drennon . , 58 

Brunette (Belgian mare) 21 

Brittauy Bull 152 

Brittany Cow 153 

Brittanies 152-153 

Brozun, Prof. Wm., Report of. . .lyo, lys 

Brown Swiss 148-151 

Brown Swiss Cow 151 

Buchour (Brahmins) 210 

Buckden (English Shire stallion) . . .28 

Buck-Kneed 105 

• ' Bull-dog Trotter " (Allerton) 73 

Bulls, Care of 226, 228-231 

Bulrush 64 

Butter fat, Test for 120, 130, 172 

Butter Records : 

Ayrshires 139 

Brown Swiss ■ 150 

Guernseys 132 

Holstein-Friesians 122, 123 

Jerseys 128, 130, 132 

Button, R. D. , Letter from 314, 315 

Byerly Turk 48 

Byfield (Swine) 298 

Cabell's Lexington 58 

Cade 61 

Calf-Kneed 105 

Calves, Care of 225-233 

Calving 226, 227, 228, 230-232 

Campbell, fno. R. Jr. , Methods of. 288, 28g 

Cannock Heath Sheep 264 

Canadian Pony 96 

Cart Horse 22, 27 

Cashmere Goats 211 

Cattle, Selection, Care and Manage- 
ment of 223-233 



Cattle, Summary of Part Second 115 

Cawdor, Earl of 180 

Champions, The 66 

Cheshires 314-316 

Chester-Whites 305-306 

Cheviot Kaiu 258 

Cheviots 257-259 

Chicago Horsem,an ^4 

Chinese Swine 294, 324 

Clark Chief 68 

Clays, The 64, 66 

Cleveland Bays 34-36 

Clingstone 2nd (Atwood ram). . .242 
Clothilde (Holstein-Friesian cow) 

119, 122 

Clydesdales 22-26 

Clydesdale Stud-Book 22 

CofBn-joint lameness no 

Coleman's Eureka 58 

Colts, Care of 111-113 

Comet 158 

Conklin's Abdallah 71 

Contracted feet 109 

Copperbottom 58 

Copperbottoms, The 66 

Corns 109 

Cotswold ewes 275 

Cotswolds 274-277 

Cow, Parts of. Named 114 

Cows, Care of 225-233 

Cricket 80 

Curb 109 

Curtis, Col. F. D., Death of 310 

Curtis Victorias 310-311 

Cuyler 68 

Cyclone (Hampshire ram) 267 

Dairy Breeds 115 

Daisy 2nd (Cheshire sow) 316 

Dandy (Davis Victoria boar) 372 

Dandy (Todd's Improved Chester 

boar) 370 

Daniel Lambert 66 

Daniel Lamberts, The 66 

Darley Arabian :o, 48, 61 

Davis, E. W., Letter from 3'S,3'(> ■ 

Davis Victorias 312-313 

Dehorning 163, 166, 192, 19S, 229 

Delaine Ewes 253 

Delaine Merinos 250-254 

Delaine Wool 250, 252 

Del march 108 



INDEX. 



337 



PAGE 

Demi-Sang 37 

Demuth 56, 57 

Denmark 58 

Development of the Trotter 100-108 

Devon Bull 169 

Devons 167-172 

Dexter 68, 74, 10 1 

Dexter Strain of Kerries 156 

Dickinson ewes 247 

Dickinson Merinos 246-249 

Dictator (American Trotter) . . . .65, 58 

Dictators, The 66 

Dillon, Levi, Letter from iy6 

Diomed, Imported 62 

Dipping ... 289 

Direct. 80, 101 

Dobroy First 90 

Docking horses 46 

Docking sheep 291 

Dolly Varden (Hereford cow) 18J) 

Donovan 52 

Dorset Sheep 255 

Dorset Swine 323 

Draft Breeds 9 

Draft, Selection for 99 

Drake Carter 56, 57 

Duchess Family of Shorthorns 160 

DuclieSS of Smitllfield (Ayrshire 

cow) 138 

Du Hays JO 

Durhams 157 

Duroc 50, 62, 106, 301 

Duroc- Jersey Group 303 

Duroc- Jersey Record jo/ 

Duroc-Jerseys 301-304 

Duroc Swine 301 

Dutch-Belted Cattle 140-143 

Dutch Belted Cattle Herd-Book 140 

Dutch-Friesians 106,119 

Dutch mares 27, 90 

Early lambs 288, 289 

Eclipse 48, 49, 62 

Edgemark 79 

Edith (Devon cow) 171 

Edward Everetts, The 66 

Edward The Great (Dutch-Belted 

bull) 141 

Elaine 72 

Elaine of Abelonr (Aberdeen-An- 
gus cow) 100 

Electioneer. . . 70, 71, 72. 73, 79, 82, 88, ro4, 107 



Electioneers, The 66, 104 

Elkwood 52 

Elmo (Brown Swiss bull) 149 

Else (German Coach mare) 43 

Emperor of Norfolk (American 

Thoroughbred) 52, 53, 54 

Engineer 61 

English Shires 27-30 

English Style Riding 58 

English (or Black) Suffolk 323 

English Thoroughbred, Degeneracy 

of 49, 56 

Esbly (French Coach Stallion) 38 

Escurial Family of Merinos 238, 243 

Escutcheon 121, r22, 224 

Essex 320-321 

Essex Sow 321 

Ethan Allen 64 

Ethan Aliens, The 66 

Ewes, Care of 287-291 

Exmoor Ponies 93 



Farceur (French Draft stallion) 17 

Fearnaughts, The 66 

Feather 26, 30 

Feeding for fat or lean 327, 328 

Fellowcraft '56, 57 

Fides 56 

Fields, Wm. M. &' Bro., Methods of 

III, 112 

Fireaways, the 44, 62 

Firenzi 52, 56 

Flanders Draft Horse 10, 15, 22 

Flora 70 

Flora Temple 68 

Flukes 134 

Flying Childers 48, 49. 61 

Flying Jib 80, 82 

Forest Breed (Cattle) . . . 154, 167, iSo. 184 

Foundation Stock, Saddle Horses 58 

Founder 109 

Franeoui (French Coach stallion). . 39 

Freeland (Oxford ram) 272 

French Canadians 63 

French Coach 37-39 

French Draft 15 18 

French Merinos .•.^37 

Front Leverag'e in Trotting' 
Action 103 

Frost, J. j'V. , Letter from 314 

Frou Frou 78, 79 



338 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Gaits, Saddle 58, 60 

Gallipoli 10 

Galloway King- (Galloway bull) . .193 

Galloway robes 194 

Galloways 191- 195 

Garibaldi (Belgian Draft stallion) . .20 

General Knox 64, 106 

General Purpose Breeds (Cattle) 115 

George M. Patchen 66 

George Wilkes 73, 74, 82 

Geraldine 56 

German Coach Horses .. 42-'! 3 

German Merinos 238 

Gestations in cows, Period of 210, 230 

Gestation in mares, Period of g6 

Gestation in sheep, Period of 291 

Gestation in swine. Period of 330, 332 

Gilderoy (Clydesdale stallion) 23 

Gimcrack 62 

Godolphin Barb (Arabian) 10, 48, 61 

Gold-dust 64 

Goldsmith Maid 70, loi 

Gordon, Jno. I., Secy , Letter from. .2-/0 

Goth (English Shire stallion) 29 

Gothlands 309 

Grand Bashaw 64, 66 

Grass Breed (Swine) 307 

Graves, C. A., Methods of 112, iij 

Green's Bashaw 66 

Green Mountain Maid 7°, 71 

Green Mountain Morgan, Hale's ..64 

Gaudaloupe Family of Merinos 243 

Guernseys . , .131-134 

Guy (Pacer) 80, 82 

Guy (Trotter) 70, 71, 77, 78 

Guy Wilkes 71 

Hackneys 44-46 

Hal Pointer 80 

Hambletonian, Bishop's ... 68 

Hambletonian, Rysdyk's . . . .62, 64, 66, 68, 
70, 72, 73, 74, 77, 104, 105, 106 

Hambletonians, The . .66 

H-a-m-i-1-t-o-n-i-a-n 68 

Hamlin's Almont .70 

Hammond, Edwin, Certificate of . .244 

Hampshire ewes 269 

Hampshires 267-270 

Hanoverian Coach Horse , 42 

Haphazard 62 

Happy Medium 68, 76, 82, 104 

Happy Mediums, The 66 



PAGE 

Harold 70, 106 

Heat, Recurrence of in mares 113 

Heavy Carriage Breeds 9 

Hedgeford, Imported 58 

Helm, II. T 63 

Henry Clay 66 

Henry, Prof. W. A., Kefort of ^S'j 

Herefords 185-190 

Herod Line of Horses 48 

Hiatogas, The 66 

History of the Oldenburg' Horse 

(Hoffmeister) ^o 

Hog , Parts of, Named 292 

Holderness 144 

Holstain-Friesian Breeders' Contro- 
versy 120-121 

Holstein-Friesians 1 16-124 

Horned Dorset Group 256 

Horned Dorsets (Sheep) 255-256 

Horse Breeder, The 44, 4(1 

Horse, Parts of. Named 8 

Horses, Selection, Care and Manage- 
ment of 99—113 

Horses, Summary of Part First ...... .9 

Hubback igg 

In breeding defined 158 

Indian Buffalo (Bos gaurus) 211 

lodian Pony Group 97 

Indian Ponies 96-9S 

Infantado Family of Merinos . . . .238, 243 

Iroquois jq 

Irish Grazier Swine 298 

Irish Longhorns 173 

Jay Eye See( American Trotter) 63, 

65, 66, 69, 70, 87, loi 

Jersey Bull 127 

Jersey Group 129 

Jersey Reds 301 

Jerseys 125-130 

Johnston 80,101 

Joker (American Merino ram) 239 

Jolie 2nd, (Guernsey cow) 134 

Joseph (Percheron stallion) 11 

Journal Royal Agrl. Society 264 

Justin Morgan 64 

Kanucks 63 

Kentucky Prince 71 

Kerries 154-156 

Kerry Cows 155 



339 



PAGE 

Kildeer 56 

King Herod 48 

Kirsch 57 

Kite track 63, 80 

Kno.xes, The 66, 106 

Kyloes 2ig 

Kremlin 72, 73, 79, 80 

Lady Aldiue (Dutch Belted cow) . . 143 

Lakenfield Cattle 140 

Lambs, Care of 288-291 

Laminitis 109 

Lamplighter 56 

LaildeSSOlin (Oldenburg Coach stal- 
lion) 41 

Landseer's Fancy, Butter record of . . . . 128 

Large Breeds (Swine) 293 

La Tosca 57 

Leading Sires, 1892 82 

Leamington 50, 57 

Lebed First 90 

Leicester ewe 279 

Leicester Group 280 

Leicesters 278-281 

Leiston (Suffolk Punch stallion) 32 

Leverage in Wild Animals, Ratios of.. 

107, loS 

Lexington 5°. 57 

Lincoln Group (Sheep) 284 

Lincoln Horse 22, 27 

Lincolns (Sheep) 282-285 

Lindsey Arabian 64 

Line Trotters i og 

Little Albert 77. 78 

Little Brown Jug loi 

Little Minch 52 

Lobasco 77. 7^. 79 

Lochlyoch mares 22 

Longhorns 173175 

Longliorn steers 174 

Long Island Blackhawk 66 

Long, Prof, /as sg^f, j^o, J3^ 

Long-wooled Breeds 235 

Lord Clinton 77, 78 

Lord Kingsbury (Hackney stallion) 45 
Lord Derby (Cleveland Bay stallion) 36 

Lord Preston (Lincoln ram) 283 

Lorena (Polled Durham cow) 203 

Lonis (Percheron stallion) 13 

Lo-ui, Prof. David. . .27, J4, 4S, 4g. gj, /jj, 
lbs, 21$, 220, 2j6, 255, .»57, 260 



PAGE 

Lubezney First 90 

Magie Swine 298 

Magna Charta 64 

Main (Advanced) Register, Conditions 

for admission to 1 18-120 

Mambrino 61 , 66, 73 

Mambrino, American 66, 73 

Mambrino Chief 66, 68, 71, 73 

Mambrino Patchen 68 

Mambrino Paymaster 66 

Mambrinos, The 66 

Manager 80 

Manzanita 71. 79 

Marion 5th of Castlemilk (Gal- 
loway cow) 105 

Marius (Shorthorn bull) 159 

Mares, Brood, Care of 110-113 

Marshall /6j 

Marske 48 

Martha Wilkes 76, 77 

Mary Marshall 108 

Mascot (Pacer) 80, 81, 82 

Massena, Butter record of 128 

Matchem 61 

Matilda 4th, Butter record of 128 

Maud S. .63, 66, 68, 70, 76, 77, loi, 106, 108 

Maxey Cobb 68, 74 

Mayflower 71 

McDoTvell, /as 24S 

Medley, Imported 62 

Merinos 236-254 

Merritt, Consul 283 

Messenger -Duroc 62, 72 

Messenger-Durocs, The 66 

Messenger, Imported 61, 62, 64, 66, 68 

Mexican Pony Group 95 

Mexican Ponies 94-96 

Midas (Guernsey bull) 133 

Middle Breeds (Swine) 293 

Middle White Breed (Swine) 324 

Middle-wooled Breeds 235 

Midnight 70 

Milk Mirror 121, 122, 224 

Milk Wedge 224 

Miller, /. H. 202 

Mills, C. P. . Methods of 2gi 

Miss Hervey 62 

Miss Russell 70 

Mohawks, The 66 

Montarco Family Merinos 240, 243 



340 



INDEX. 



Montgomery, I J'. B., Letter from. 1^2, ijj 

Moore Swine 298 

Moquette 79 

Mor£e Common Sheep 264 

Morgan, Justin 64, 66 

Morgans, The 66 

Merrills, The 65 

Muir, L. P., Secy-., Letter fioni ig4 

Muotta (Brown Swiss cow) 149 

Mustangs 94 

Nancy Hanks (American trotter) 

75. 76, loi, 104 

Native Full Bloods 19 

National Live Stock Journal. . . . ij6, i8b 

National Stockm,an 2^2 

Navicular Disease no 

Neapolitans 322 

Negretti Family of Merinos . .238, 240, 243 

Nelson 72 , 74 

Netherlautl Prince (Holstein- 

Friesian bull) 117 

Nettie Norton 50 

Norlaine 72, 79 

Norfolk 54 

Norfolk Reds (Cattle) 163 

Norfolk Thin Rind 307 

Normans 15 

Jf ormandie Bull 177 

Norniandie Cow 178 

Normandies 176-179 

North Devons 167 

North Wales Black Cattle 180-183 

Norto7i, C. W. Ssf Sons, Methods of 

230, 231 

Norton, Oak G., Death of 231, 232 

Norval 72 

Nutwood 82 

Oldenburg Coach Horses 40-41 

Oldenburg-German Coach Horse Con- 
troversy 42 

Onward 82 

Orloff Trotters 90 

Oval tracks (Regulation) 80 

Oxfordshires 271-273 

Pacers, 2.10 list of 80 

Pacing Blood 58, 66, 08, 80, 82 

Packard, Hon. S. B 1S4 

Palo Alto 72, 73 



PAGE 

Pa ncoast 68 

Parole 50 

Part First, Summary of 9 

Part Second, Summary of 115 

Part Third, Summary of 235 

Part Fourth, Summary of 293 

Patron 68 

Patton Stock 158 

Paular Merinos .243-246 

Paulina (Red Pol.ed cow) 165 

Pauline Paul, Butter record of . . . 123 

Pearl 64 

Pedigrees: 

Electioneer 88 

Emperor of Norfolk 54 

Jay Eye See 87 

Mascot 89 

Maud S 85 

Nancy Hanks 84 

Phallas 86 

The Bard '. 52 

Pembrokes 184 

Perchero-Norman Controversy .... 12, 15 

Percherons 10 -14 

Perchero7i Stud Book 10 

Perfection (Chester-White boar) . .306 

Peter's Halcorn 58 

Peters, Richard, Letter/ran . . . .214,320 

Phallas (American Trotter). .. .50, 51, 56, 

60, 67, 68, 86 

Phoenix 158 

Pocahontas loi 

Piertetje 2nd, Milk recoid of 123 

Pigs, Care of 330 334 

Pilot 63,64 

Pilot Jr 63, 06, 70, 71 

Pilots, The 66 

Points for rejection. Horses 100 

Poland-China Group 299 

Poland-Chinas 298-300 

Polkan First 90 

Polled-Angus ig6 

Polled Durhams 201-203 

Pony Breeds 9 

Potomac Mare 54 

Pralher, S. E., Secy., Letter from ■ ■ .263 

Prince Albert 58 

Prince Charlie (Shorthorn bull).. 161 
Prince Bismark (Paular ram). . . . 244 

Princeps 70 

Princess 68 



341 



Princess Family Shorthorns i6o 

Prioress 50 

Racine , 57 

Rambouillet Sheep 237 

Rams, Care of 288- 291 

Rarus 71,101 

Ratios of Front Leverage. . . .102, 104, 105 

Ratiosof Rear Leverage 104-108 

Raveloe 57 

Hay, Jno. P., Lctlo-from 34J-246 

Kear Leverage in Trottiug- Ac- 
tion 107 

Red Letter Registry (Davoas) 172 

Red Polled Cattle 163-166 

Ked Polled Group 164 

Red Wilkes 82 

Regulus 61 

Reversion, Case of 191, 192 

Rich Family Merinos 245 

Ringbone 109, no 

Rivers, Wni., Letter from 281 

Robert J 80 

Robinson Family Merinos 239, 245 

Royal Georges, The 66 

Royalty (Cleveland Bay stallion) 35 

Roy Wilkes 80 

Running Breeds 9 

Running Horses 47 

Running Records by Distance 56 

Rysdyk's Hambletonian 62, 64, 66, 68 

70, 72, 73, 74, 77, 104, 105, 106 

Sable 71 

Sable Wilkes 7 r 

Saddle Gaits 58, 60 

Saddle Horses 58-60 

Saddle Horse Stud Book, rules for 

eiitry ^8 

Salvator 56, 57 

Sam Booker 58 

Sampson 48, 61 

Sanborn, II. B., Methods of no 

Sanders, J. H. 10 

Saxon Merinos 238 

Scandanavian Horses 34, 90, 91 

Select (Guernsey cow) 131 

Selection for Beef 225 

Selection for Draft 99 

Selection for Milk 224 

Selection for Speed . 99-108 

Shattuck, L. E., Methods of. . . ..sSg-zgo 



PACK 

Shearing 289, 290, 291 

Sheep, Parts of, Named — . 234 

Sheep, Selection, Care and Manage- 
ment of 286-291 

Sheep, Summary of Part Third 235 

Sherman 64 

Shetland-fo}iy Stud Book, Rules fo7' 

entry g2 

Shetland Pony Group 91 

Jhetlauds 90-92 

Shorthorns . 157-162 

Short-wooled Breeds 235 

Shropshire Group 265 

Shropshire Record 264 

Shropshires 264-266 

Signal's Lily Flagg, Butter record of 

128, 130 

Silesian Merinos 238 

Silk wood 80 

Simmenthal Cattle 207-209 

Siininenthal Group , . . 209 

Singlefoot 60 

Sir Charles (Hereford bull) 187 

Sir Hugh (Ayrshire bull) .... ....135 

Sir Peter 62 

Sleepy Tom loi 

Small Breeds (Swine) 293 

Small Yorkshires . . .,, 317*319 

Smetanxa 10, 90 

Smiths, Pozvell and Lamb, Methods 

of 22J, 226 

Smuggler 10^ 

Snap 48 

Solid Color Defined 126 

Sources of Saddle-Horse Blood 58 

Sources of Trotting Blood 61-64 

Southdown Group 261 

Southdowns 260-263 

Sows, Care of. 330~334 

Spanish Cattle 220 

Spavin 109 

Spear, Grant IF., Secy., Letter from,. j}og 

Speed Improvement, Cause of 80 

Speed, Selection for 99-108 

Spiletta 48 

Splint 109 

Springbok . . 50 

Spriitger, fno. C, Secy., Letter from 2g6 
Stallion Crown by Records . . .72, 73, 74, 79 

Stallions, Care of 110-113 

Stamboul 72. 73 

Standard (Cotswold ram) 276 



342 



Standard-Bred defined 82-83 

Star Eagle (American Saddle stal- 
lion) 59 

Star Gaited 106 

St. Clair 66, 71 

Stericker, K. P. , Methods of . . . .... iii 

Stezvaj-l, /{enjy 2j6, 240 

St. Julien 70, 78, loi 

St. Lawrence 63 

Stone, J. L 264 

Stubbs, C. E., Secy., Letter from 40 

Stump-The-Dealer 58 

Success 2llfl (Small Yorkshire boar) 

318 

Suffolks, Black (Swine) 323 

Suffolk Color (Horses) 31 

Suffolk Punch 30-33 

Suffolk Reds (Cattle) 163 

Suffolks, White (Swine) 324 

Sunol 71, 76, 79, loi, 106. 108 

Sliprenaut (French Draft stallion'). .16 
Sussex Cattle 204-206 

Sussex Group 205 

Sweeny log 

Sweepstakes (Todd's Improved 

Chester Sow) 308 

Swine, Feeding of 326-328 

Swine, Selection, C»ire and Manage- 
ment of 325 334 

Swine, Summary of i'art Fourth 293 

Tammany (American Thoroughbred 

stallion) 55 

Tamworth Swine 301 

Tarentine Sheep 236 

Tea Tray 56 

Telegraph 71 

Ten Broeck 50, 56, 57 

Terra Cotta 52 

Terry, T. G J2S 

Texas 58 

Texas Cattle 220 222 

Texas Steer 221 

The Bard (American ThoroughbrLd) 

50, 51, 52 

The Trotting Gait 100-108 

Thibet Shawl Goats . . - 211 

Thompson, S. D., Secy,, Letter from ..14 

Thoroughbred Blood in Trotter 73 

Thoroughbred defined 47 

Thoroughbreds 47-57 

Thoroughpin log 



PAGE 

Vhrifton, Phil., Methods of jjo -JJ2 

Todd's Imprni'cd Chester- IVhite liec- 

O'd joy 

Todd's Improved Ca.iSter-\Vhites . .307-308 

Tom Hal 66 

Tom Ochiltree 50 

Tinwald Chieftain (Clydesdale 

Stallion) 25 

Trinkett .70 

Tristan 56 

Trotting Breeds 9 

Trotting Records, 1888 68-72 

Trotting Records, 1892 72 So 

Trotting Records for age, 1SS8 71-72 

Trotting Records for age, 1892 . . 78-80 

True Briton 64 

Turf 61 

Turf, LicLd and Farm ^2, j6 

■Van Meter's Waxy 58 

Varnon's Roebuck 58 

"Velocity 64 

"Vermont Blackh.iwk 64, 66, 74 

Victoria (North Wales Black cow) . 182 

Victorias, Curtis, 310, 3ri 

"Victorias, Davis, 312, 313 

"Vinette 80 

"Volunteer 70 

"Volunteers, The 66 

J'07i Schlnembach, Letter frOTn 2oj 

Vulcan (Cheshire! boar) 315 

Warren County Swine 298 

Il'arren, f. P., Letter from 180 

Water Ox (Indian Buffalo) 211 

Waxana 7/ 

Waxy 71 

Welsh Ponies 93 

West Highland Bull 216 

West Highland Coat and Calf. 218 

West Highlands 215-219 

White &= Conovc7-, Letter f}-om jog 

White, Mrs. Harriet Davis 212 

White Suffolk (Swine) 324 

White Turk 48 

Wil dair Breed 64 

Wildflower 71 

Wild Forest Breed 154, 167, 180, 184 

Wilkses, The 66 

Williams, Consid ijb 

JVilliams, C. W. ■ 74 

Windfall (Guernsey cow) 134 



INDEX. 343 

PAGE PAGE 

VVinslow Wilkes , 80 Yorkville Belle 56 

Woodbury 64 Youall, William »/, 4S, 2j6, 2-f8, J22 

Woodford Mambrino 70 Young Bashaw 64, 65 

Wood, /as., Leltc)- from. 367,20s 

Wood's Hambletonians, The 66 Zebu Cattle 210 

W. Wood 80 



H 304 85 *i" 




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